Police Minister received over 200 surrendered firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition.
The South African Police Service is currently calling on those that would like to hand in their firearms to do so during their firearm and ammunition amnesty. On 14 January, the owner of a gun range on Beyers Naudé Drive handed in over 298 firearms along with 2 984 rounds of ammunition. This prompted the nation’s Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele and National Police Commissioner, General Khehla Sithole, respectively to receive the firearms in person to show their appreciation for those participating in the amnesty period.
With a heavy police presence, they hosted a press briefing were they detailed the amnesty period and what it hopes to achieve. Cele said, “We are gathered at this police station to receive arms surrendered by Mr van der Berg. He is one of thousands of South African’s who have taken the heed to present themselves at police stations to surrender their illegal firearms.”
According to the crime statistics released by the police, during the financial year of 2018/2019, 15 736 cases of illegal firearm possession and ammunition were recorded while 7 156 murders were committed using guns. The aim of this amnesty, according to the minister, is to remove these weapons from killing people. Cele stated that they have already collected 31 382 bullets which could’ve been used to murder that many people. He said, “One single bullet has the capacity to kill one person, you don’t need two bullets to kill someone.”
Sithole reminded all those in attendance that the amnesty doesn’t mean criminals will be able to get away with crimes they have committed with their firearms. He stated that all firearms and ammunition will be accompanied by the details of the person handing them into the station. The weapon will then be sent for ballistic test to ensure it hadn’t been used as part of a crime in the past. Sithole stated that those found to have been involved in illegal acts with their firearms will be subjected to a full investigation.
The police are reminding the public that this amnesty will continue until 31 May 2020. Those that have expired firearm licences, or holding onto firearms of relatives and friends that have passed on and those that just don’t want their firearms anymore are to hand them in at their nearest police station.
Cele added that once the amnesty period ends, there will be a zero-tolerance approach to those in possession of illegal firearms.
Firearm owners are also reminded that they can renew their firearm licences during this period but their firearms will still be sent for ballistic tests.
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