Owners of unlicensed firearms on notice – SAPS Newcastle
"I appeal to the community to do themselves a favour to avoid unnecessary arrests and convictions."
Now is the time to avoid paying a hefty price for being in possession of an unlicensed firearm, said SAPS spokesman, Captain Jabulani Ncube.
Gun amnesty was declared by Government from December last year up to May this year, and this notice has been published in the Government Gazette. It indemnifies gun holders against prosecution for illegal possession, and allows them to surrender their firearms to the police without fear.
“I appeal to the community to do themselves a favour to avoid unnecessary arrests and convictions,” warned Capt Ncube. “The objective of the amnesty is to reduce a large pool of illegal/unwanted firearms, ammunition and/or firearm parts that are in circulation in the country.”
A person who surrenders his/her firearm during this amnesty period will merely be required to complete and sign the necessary forms at the nearest police station. They should also ensure they are provided with a copy of the SAPS 548 (amnesty form).
What does the firearm amnesty entail?
Firearm amnesty means an indemnity against prosecution for the unlawful possession of a firearm or ammunition.
The firearm amnesty period provides an opportunity for members of the public to surrender unwanted firearms and ammunition, unregistered or unlawfully possessed firearms, and firearm parts to SAPS, without fear of being prosecuted for the unlawful possession thereof.
What is an unwanted firearm?
This relates to firearms which are:
- lawfully in someone’s possession, but their owners no longer need or require
- unsafe to use, or are in a poor state
- inherited from a deceased person, and such person is not interested in keeping it
- left behind by the previous owner of the property and were found on such property.
Any firearm or firearm parts, which are not licensed and possessed in accordance with the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No 60 of 2000), is considered illegal.
This means a firearm or firearm parts which are not registered to the current owner, do not have a serial number or have a defaced (removed) serial number, and/or are possessed by a person who does not have a licence for that firearm.
Visit your local police station between 8am and 4pm if you wish to utilise the amnesty period.
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