Time running out for firearm owners
Time is running out for those firearm owners who have not renewed or licensed their firearms.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) is calling upon all firearm licence- holders who possess firearms in terms of the repealed Arms and Ammunition Act 1969, whose birthdates fall between 1 October and 31 December to renew their firearm licences, permits or authorisations before the cut off date, which is 31 March.
According to national police spokesperson, Dir Phuti Setati, all persons who apply for the renewal of their firearm licences, permits or authorisations after the expiry of their renewal period may be prosecuted for failing to renew their firearm licences within the stipulated period. If convicted in a court of law, they may be sentenced up to a period of one year imprisonment or to a fine or to both such imprisonment and fine. Such convictions may also lead to a person being disqualified to possess a firearm in future.
“It is important to note that firearm licences issued under the repealed Arms and Ammunition Act of 1969 will cease to be valid as from 1 July,” Setati warned.
In the event a firearm owner chooses not to renew his or her firearm licence, permit or authorisation, such a person must dispose of his or her firearm before 1 July.
A person may choose to legally dispose of his or her firearm in a manner that is appropriate, for example:
· Having the firearm deactivated by a licenced gunsmith after approval has been received from the SAPS. This is applicable if the owner still wants to possess the firearm as a souvenir or heirloom;
· Selling the firearm to a licensed firearm dealer or a legal entity who may lawfully possess the firearm.
· Permanently exporting the firearm.
· Selling or donating the firearm to another private person. Such a person may only take possession of the firearm after receiving the appropriate firearm licence.
· Voluntarily hand the firearm to the SAPS for full and permanent destruction. This service is free of charge. It is a criminal offence for any person to destroy his or her firearm.
“To this end, the SAPS wishes to extend a special word of appreciation to all firearm owners who submitted their renewal applications on time. The SAPS further urges and encourages firearm owners to cooperate with the police by ensuring that all provisions of the Firearm Control Act, Act No 60 of 2000 are complied with and implemented to the letter.”
Members of the public must also take note of the fact that no extension of the renewal of the firearm licenses will be granted. For more information, visit the SAPS website www.saps.gov.za or phone the National Firearms Call Centre at: (012) 353 6111 or contact your local Designated Firearms Officer.
Polokwane’s Firearms Office will be extending its hours in order to accommodate firearm owners before the deadline of 31 March. Besides its usual hours from Mondays to Fridays between 08:00 to 16:00, on Saturday, 21 March and Sunday, 22 March, the office will be open from 08:00 to 16:00. From 23 to 27 March, the office will extend its hours from 16:00 to 18:00. On 28 and 29 March, the offices will be open from 08:00 to 16:00. On 30 March the office will remain open after 16:00 until 22:00 and on 31 March the office will be open until 01:00 the next morning. For more information in this regard contact 015 290 6263 or Supt Marina van der Walt on 082 565 8519.
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