Brigadier Vishnu Naidoo, spokesperson for the national commissioner said as firearms are the instruments commonly used in the commission of crime, especially violent crimes, it is very encouraging that people have taken advantage of this amnesty period and handed in 1 465 guns and 14 861 rounds of ammunition. The process is aimed at indemnifying people who want to get rid of unwanted firearms without being prosecuted.
He said so far, the firearms handed in included 1 248 handguns, 75 shotguns and 142 rifles.
Persons or institutions who want to apply for firearm amnesty can do so under the following criteria:
1. Persons in possession of a firearm without a legitimate licence, permit or authorisation.
2. Persons in possession of a firearm part (slide, bolt or breech-block) without a licensed firearm capable of bearing that part.
3. Persons in possession of ammunition without a licensed firearm capable of discharging the ammunition, or without a collector’s permit.
4. Persons in possession of illegally imported firearms.
5. Persons who inherited firearms but failed to obtain a licence, permit or authorisation for such firearms.
6. Persons who have been declared unfit to possess a firearm, but failed to surrender their firearms and ammunition.
7. Businesses (including private security businesses) with firearms and ammunition that ceased to carry on business and failed to dispose of the firearms and ammunition.
8. Persons in possession of firearms where the firearm licence, permit or authorisation has been terminated in terms of the Act.
9. Institutions that wish to surrender obsolete/redundant/discarded firearms.
Remember, surrendering illegal/unwanted firearms, firearm parts or ammunition can be done during this period, without fear of being prosecuted for unlawful possession. However, persons who wish to surrender their legally possessed firearms or ammunition voluntarily may do so at any time before, during and after an amnesty period. Firearms handed over would first be checked to make sure they have not been used for crimes before indemnity is granted.
Those whose licences have expired may also hand their firearms in and arrange to get them back once they have relicensed them.
This concession only applies to those who already have a firearms competency certificate.
For more information, contact your local police station or Central Firearms Register (CFR) call centre on 012 353 6111. To report corruption contact 0800 701 701.
