VRYHEID KZN: Here is how to apply for competency certificates and firearm licences

The Vryheid Herald will run a few articles on The Firearms Control Act to assist the local SAPS. The main problem they are experiencing at the moment is that people don’t apply in time and then their firearm licences expire, or new applicants don’t understand the procedure. The law requires a person to have a competency certificate and a firearm licence.

What do you need to do when you have a firearm?
After purchasing or obtaining a new firearm, you need to obtain a proficiency certificate first. This can be done at Precision Firearms & Tactical Training and CDM Indoor Range CC. These are the only two accredited organisations according to SASSETA (Safety & Security Sector Education & Training Authority).
You then need to apply for competency at the SAPS offices.
What do I need to bring to apply for competency?
•     Two colour passport photos
•     Two copies of ID
•     Two fingerprints
•     Copy of each proficiency certificate
•     Three witnesses (if married, your wife/husband; if not married, a family member), plus two independent people (friends or co-workers)
•     R77

After applying for the competency certificate, you need to apply for your firearm licence. There are three sections under which you can apply:
Licence to possess a firearm for self-defence (Section 13 – valid for five years)
13.(1): A firearm in respect of which a licence may be issued in terms of this section is any –
(a) shotgun which is not fully or semi-automatic; or
(b) handgun which Is not fully automatic.
What do I need to supply with my application?
•     Two colour passport photos
•     Two copies of ID
•     Two fingerprints
•     Copy of proficiency
•     Copy of competency certificate
•     Proof of residence
•     Proper motivation (everything you say must be backed up with proof)
•     If you travel, you can add proof (log book, letter from work stating that you travel)
•     Crime statistics from internet (Statistics SA) you can print for specific places
•     If you stay on a farm, proof that you are the owner
•     If you have pictures of farm attacks, you can add those
•     If you have experience of any attacks and have case numbers, add that
•     Mention how far your nearest police station or neighbour is
•     Mention how good your communication with police or neighbours are (cellphone reception and two-way radios)
•     Pictures of your safe
•     R140 for application
Licence to possess a firearm for occasional hunting and sports shooting (Section 15 – valid for 10 years)
15.(1): A firearm in respect of which a licence may be issued in terms of this section is any-
(a) handgun which is not fully automatic;
(b) rifle or shotgun which is not fully or semi-automatic; or
(c) barrel, frame or receiver of a handgun, rifle or shotgun contemplated in paragraph (a) or (b), and which is not a restricted firearm.
What do I need to supply with my application?
•     Two colour passport photos
•     Two copies of ID
•     Two fingerprints
•     Copy of competency certificate
•     Proper motivation (mention what you want to do with the firearm, what type of game you hunt, why the specific rifle/shotgun is suitable and the hunting areas, what type of ammunition and the effect on the meat)
•     Three letters from places or farmers where you have hunted
•     Photos of the game that you’ve hunted
•     Photo of your safe
•     Copy of hunting association card if you belong to one
•     R140 for application
Licence to possess a firearm for dedicated hunting and dedicated sports shooting (Section 16 – valid for 10 years)
16.(1): A firearm in respect of which a licence may be issued in terms of this section is any-
(a) handgun which is not fully automatic;
(b) rifle or shotgun which is not fully automatic;
(c) any semi-automatic shotgun manufactured to fire no more than five shots in succession without having to be reloaded; or
(d) barrel, frame or receiver of a handgun, rifle or shotgun contemplated in paragraph (a), (b) or (c).
What do I need to supply with my application?
•     Two colour passport photos
•     Two copies of ID
•     Two fingerprints
•     Copy of competency certificate
•     Proper motivation (mention what you want to do with the firearm, what type of game you hunt, why the specific rifle/shotgun is suitable for the game, and the hunting areas where you hunt, what type of ammunition you use and the effect on the meat)
•     Three letters from places or farmers where you have hunted
•     Photos of the game that you’ve hunted
•     Photo of your safe
•     Copy of hunting association card if you belong to one
•     Copy of certificates, dedicated hunter/PH, dedicated sport shooting, etc.,
•     If PH, copy of registers where you book hunters, game that was hunted
•     R140 for your application

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