Any time you pick up a firearm, it’s important that you understand some key rules.
Johan Krogh, General Manager of EPR West Rand, recently addressed guests as well as the community on what the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000 says regarding firearm licensing.
He said that in order to succeed with justification, whether it is carrying a firearm, or using a firearm in a situation where your life is threatened, you must be in possession of a valid competency certificate for the type of firearm you are using. A competency certificate is valid for five years.
Also Read: A must-read for all owners of firearms
Residents must also be in possession of a valid firearm licence for the firearm when it’s used by a third person. Section 12 of the Firearms Control Act states that, in the case of additional licences, the registrar may issue an additional licence in respect of a firearm contemplated in sections 13, 14, 15 and 16 to every person who resides on the same premises as the holder of the licence.
Krogh added, “Every holder of an additional licence must comply with all the requirements for the issue of the licence in respect of the firearm in question.” He further said that the holder of a licence may allow another person to use the firearm. There are regulations regarding this, as mentioned in section 120(5) of the Act. Any person who is at least 21 years of age, and is the holder of a licence to possess a firearm issued in terms of this Act may allow any other person to use that firearm while under his or her immediate supervision, where it is safe to use the firearm, and for a lawful purpose.
A licence for a gun used for self defence is valid for five years. “It is very important to renew your licence for your firearm 90 days before the expiry date,” Krogh stressed.
The directive that was issued on 3 February 2016 states that if you apply for the renewal of a licence after the expiry date of your current licence, your firearm will be confiscated and destroyed. This directive created a huge stir, and the SA Hunters group, the Gun Owners’ Association and Fidelity Guards all launched court applications that were heard last month.
The SA Hunters group is attempting to have re-licensing declared unconstitutional, and this court case is awaiting judgment. The Gun Owners’ Association case, where the same judge presided, granted an interdict to stop the destruction of firearms. In the Fidelity Guards case, where the same judge once again presided, it was suggested that permits be granted to licensees who applied late for the renewal of expired licences, and the court instructed the Police to find a workable solution.
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