The Minister of Police has, by means of a publication in the Government Gazette, declared a firearm amnesty for a period of 90 days from 11 January 2010 to 11 April 2010.
The Minister of Police has, by means of a publication in the Government Gazette, declared a firearm amnesty for a period of 90 days from 11 January 2010 to 11 April 2010.
The amnesty period allows any person who is in unlawful possession of firearms, ammunition and/or firearm parts, the opportunity to surrender these items to the South African Police Service without fear of being prosecuted.
Firearm owners not yet in possession of license as specified under Firearms Control Act In light of the declared amnesty, and the closure of the transitional period of the renewal of firearm licenses, the minister of police has publicly announced that firearm owners with licenses, permits or authorisations issued in terms of the Arms and Ammunition Act, 1969 (Act No. 75 of 1969) who had not applied to renew such firearm licenses, permits or authorisations in terms of the Transitional Provisions of the Act, may apply for the licensing of such firearms in terms of the Act during the amnesty period.
All applications to possess a firearm are subject to the provision that the applicant must be in possession of a valid competency certifi cate issued in terms of the Act.
A firearm applied for in terms of paragraph 2.3 supra is regarded as a firearm with a licence, permit or authorisation issued in terms of the provisions of the repealed Arms and Ammunition Act, 1969 (Act No. 75 of 1969). The above applicants will not be required to hand in their fi rearms at the police station concerned.
The firearm licences issued in terms of the repealed Arms and Ammunition Act, 1969 are valid and legal due to an interim order issued by the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria which effectively allows these firearm owners to possess their fi rearms legally. The applicants must comply with the following requirements in addition to the requirements of regulation 14 of the Firearms Control Regulations, 2004:
• Provide a certified copy of his/her competency certificate (if already issued). (Applicant must show his/her original competency certificate to the Designated Firearms Officer).
• Where the applicant does not possess a competency certificate, he/she must apply for a competency certificate in accordance with the provisions of the Act. Such an applicant must undergo the prescribed training and practical test regarding the safe and efficient handling of a firearm as well as the prescribed test on the knowledge of the Act.
• A comprehensive motivation (preferably in the form of a statement under oath or affirmation).
• A certified copy of the legal firearm licence, permit or authorisation applicable to the specific firearm.
The applicant must show the original firearm licence, permit or authorisation to the relevant Designated Firearms Officer (DFO) when lodging the application. The licensing process applicable in this circular is strictly limited to the period 11 January 2010 to 11 April 2010. No applications under the mentioned circumstances will be received after this period.
Handing in of Illegal fireams and explosives
With regard to firearms, the public is invited to make contact with the relevant SAPS amnesty official in their respective station area. However, should any person be in possession of explosives or an explosive device, FSL Explosive Commander for Grahamstown and Cradock, Supt Leon Coetzee requested that the local SAPS DFO and/or Amnesty Offi cial be contacted in order that the FSL Explosive members may collect the explosives and/or devices which is considered dangerous. The community is once again warned not to handle any explosive or explosive device and to treat it with caution.
Grahamstown Cluster: Station Amnesty Offi cials
Grahamstown: Insp Nathan Hoffman 046 603 9173
Paterson: Insp Herman Ferreira 078 135 1931
Alicedale: Insp Erica Fox 042 231 1006
Fort Brown: Cst Lungelwa Mputha 082 869 1359
Riebeeck East: Cst Ntsikelelo Mbadamana 082 5293 636
Seven Fountains: Cst Zoliswa Sithonga 046 622 7333
Committees: Cst Andile Marele 046 636 7942
Issued by Milanda Coetzer, SAPS Grahamstown
