The Minister of Police Bheki Cele has declared a firearm amnesty period of six months commencing on 1 December 2019 and ending on 31 May 2020, through the publication of a notice in the Government Gazette.
Spokesperson for the Police Ministry Lirandzu Themba said this is in efforts to save lives, reduce and prevent crime and ease the proliferation of illegal firearms in the country. The amnesty period will allow South Africans an opportunity to surrender illegal or unwanted firearms, ammunition or firearm parts to help clear illegal guns from the streets without prosecution.
A person who surrenders his or her firearm during the period of amnesty will need to complete and sign the necessary forms at the nearest police station and must insist on a copy of the SAPS 548 (Amnesty form).
According to the section 139(4)(a) of the Firearm Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000), a person who surrenders a firearm in compliance with a notice published in terms of subsection (1) may apply in terms of this Act for a license in respect of that firearm.
An application contemplated in section 139(4)(a) shall not apply to illegal firearms where documentary proof of previous owners cannot be produced. Only the person who physically surrenders the firearm to the designated amnesty official personally may apply for a license in respect of such.
The application for the firearm license must be submitted to the relevant designated amnesty official responsible for the area in which the applicant resides, and must comply with the following:
- A certified copy of the applicant’s competency certificate (if already issued).
- In cases where the applicant does not possess a competency certificate, he or she must apply for a competency certificate in accordance with the provisions of the Firearms Control Act.
- Complete form 271 on which the applicant has indicated his or her intention to apply for the specific firearm license. The application for a firearm license will only be accepted by the designated amnesty official on condition that it is in compliance with the provisions of the Firearms Control Act.
- Provide a comprehensive motivation to support the need for the firearm license, preferably in the form of a statement under oath or affirmation.
- Provide a certified copy of the legal firearm license, permit or authorisation applicable to the specific firearm (if applicable).
For more details contact your local police station or contact the Central Firearms Register at 011 353 6111.
Related articles:
https://midrandreporter.co.za/218257/police-recover-2-illegal-firearms-during-patrol/
https://midrandreporter.co.za/215627/two-suspects-arrested-possession-unlicensed-firearm/
