The public has been reminded that the national firearm amnesty period will end on 31 January 2021.
Brixton Police Station has called on all those looking to rid themselves of their firearms to hand them over at their nearest police station. During the firearm amnesty period, the public is given the opportunity to surrender unwanted firearms and ammunition or re-apply for their expired firearm licences at their nearest police station.
According to Jeanette Backhoff, spokesperson of the station, this initiative was implemented to prevent crime and violence and to promote safety in our communities. She said, “In most of the cases that are reported, it is clear that a firearm was used in the commission of most of the violent crimes.”
Backhoff added that it would also provide the opportunity for those holding onto firearms of relatives and friends that have passed on and those that just don’t want their firearms anymore, to hand them over. She reminded the public that no compensation would be paid to any person surrendering a firearm during the amnesty. Whenever a firearm or ammunition is surrendered, the owner will be required to complete and sign forms and they will receive an acknowledgement of receipt.
All firearms handed in will undergo ballistic testing to ensure that it was not used in the commission of a crime. “It must be noted that no indemnity will be granted for firearms that were used to commit a crime.” Every firearm, parts of them and ammunition received will be destroyed by the State.
For more information regarding the firearm amnesty process, please contact your nearest police station:
Brixton Police Station, 011 837 4427
Fairland Police Station, 011 478 9413
Linden Police Station, 011 888 9211
Parkview Police Station, 011 067 6000
Sophiatown Police Station, 011 670 6300.
