The South African Police Service would like to remind the community that the deadline for the firearm amnesty ends on 31 January.
Individuals can surrender their illegal and unwanted firearms, firearm parts or ammunition without fear of being prosecuted.
According to national police spokesperson Colonel Athlenda Mathe only a small percentage of unlicensed firearms, which the police know of, have been surrendered.
“With only two weeks left, the service is concerned that since the approval of the second amnesty period, only an additional 23 399 firearms and 119 781 rounds of ammunition were surrendered in the period commencing 1 August 2020 to date,” said Mathe.
Of the firearms surrendered 3 139 were voluntarily handed over by their legal owners while 20 260, for which licenses have expired, were handed in.
In addition, 23 724 rounds of ammunition were also voluntarily handed-over to police, which includes 96 057 rounds of ammunition that was surrendered by owners whose firearm licenses had expired.
“It cannot be emphasised enough that as of 1 February 2021, those who are found to be in possession of illegal firearms, firearm parts and ammunition will be charged and processed accordingly.”
Related articles:
Buccleuch resident arrested for lying under oath regarding car hijacking
