Police issue stern warning to firearm owners
Those who are in contravention with the Firearm Act might have to face the music and could be prosecuted.
The Randfontein SAPS have expressed concern over the negligence of some firearm owners on how they carry their firearms in public places and says that those who are found to be in contravention with the Firearms Act will be prosecuted.
This is according to Randfontein SAPS spokesperson Captain Appel Ernst who says that more and more people with firearms are not adhering to the prescription of carrying firearms in public places.
“It has come to our attention that firearm owners tend to be negligent when it comes to carrying their firearms and that is dangerous.
“The law is very clear that firearms need to be kept in their designated cases and should not be carried in the back of one’s trousers where they are also visible.
“However, we have seen people carry their firearms in their handbags and leaving them in their trolleys while doing shopping and we condemn this.
“At no point should people leave their firearms in their cars, office drawers and their cupboards,” says Ernst.
She adds that the safekeeping of firearms has become a concern as well and urges all gun owners to keep their firearms in a mounted safe that should be kept locked at all times.
Article 84 of the Firearms Act, 60 of 2000 stipulates that no person may carry a firearm in a public place unless the firearm is carried in a handgun case or in a holster.
It also states that the firearm is to be covered at all times and that the owner must be able to exercise full control of it.
Firearm owners are also reminded to ensure that their firearm licences and their competency certificates are valid and to apply for renewals prior to expiry dates.
They should also tell you that your old license is still valid. You only need to change once the new firearms law is promulgated, as I believe there is an interdict in place.
I agree with the article,many people are very negligent with their firearms as I’ve seen this negligence before !
But in the same breath the SAP are very negligent with their firearms where almost 1500 have been lost,stolen,sold etc,so they should look at themselves as well