Minister of Police announces firearm amnesty period
Through the amnesty period they are hoping to reduce the large pool of illegal firearms, ammunition or firearm parts.
The Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, recently declared a firearm amnesty period of six months, which commenced from 1 December until 31 May 2020 through a publication of a notice in the Government Gazette.
Through the amnesty period they are hoping to reduce the large pool of illegal firearms, ammunition or firearm parts that are circulating the country. The amnesty period creates an opportunity for members of the public to surrender unwanted firearms or firearms they possess illegally. Ammunition and firearm parts can also be handed over to the Police without fear of being prosecuted for the unlawful possession of this equipment.
Earlier this year the Police released their annual crime statistics, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition in Gauteng has decreased since 2018 until 2019 with 12.4 per cent.
According to this statement, a person who surrenders his/her firearm during the period of amnesty, will be required to complete and sign the necessary forms at the nearest police station, and must insist on a copy of the SAPS 548 (Amnesty form).
It also explains that in terms of section 139(4)(a) of the Firearm Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000), a person who surrenders a firearm in compliance with a notice published in terms of subsection (1) may apply in terms of this Act for a license in respect of that firearm. An application contemplated in section 139(4)(a) shall not apply to illegal firearms where documentary proof of previous ownership cannot be produced.
The statement then explained that whoever applies for a firearm license as indicated above, must comply with the provisions of the Act applicable to the licensing of a firearm, which includes the following:
•The limitation on the number of firearms for different categories a person may legally possess.
• The applicant must be in possession of a valid competency certificate for the firearm for which a license is applied for.
• A person who applies for a firearm license is required to physically hand in the firearm to the Designated Amnesty Official, and lodge an application within 14 days. Only the person who physically surrenders the firearm to the Designated Amnesty. Official personally may apply for a license in respect of such. The application for the firearm license must be submitted to the relevant Designated Amnesty Official responsible for the area in which the applicant resides, and must comply with the following:
• A certified copy of the applicant’s competency certificate (if already issued).
• In cases where the applicant does not possess a competency certificate, he/she must apply for a competency certificate in accordance with the provisions of the Firearms Control Act.
• Complete Form 271 on which the applicant has indicated his/her intention to apply for the specific firearm license. The application for a firearm license will only be accepted by the Designated Amnesty Official on condition that it is in compliance with the provisions of the Firearms Control Act.
• Provide a comprehensive motivation to support the need for the firearm license, preferably in the form of a statement under oath or affirmation.
• Provide a certified copy of the legal firearm license, permit or authorisation applicable to the specific firearm (if applicable).
Florida Firearm office will be open from Monday to Friday from 8am until 3.30pm. For more information contact them on 011 279 6532 or 011 831 7000.
