LOCAL police are urging communities to make use of the Firearm Amnesty process that started in November 2019 and ends on May 31 this year.
The Amnesty Plan plan was launched by the Minister of Police, Gen. Bheki Cele, as well as management of the South African Police Service, in an endeavour to reduce the proliferation of unlawful and unwanted firearms in the country.
Its primary aim is to also reduce the circulation of illegal firearms and address the fundamental causes of crime in order to effectively protect communities.
Hereunder are frequently asked questions about the Firearm Amnesty:
What does the Firearm Amnesty entail?
Firearm Amnesty means an indemnity against prosecution for the unlawful possession of a firearm or ammunition.
The Firearm Amnesty period provides an opportunity for members of the public to surrender unwanted firearms and ammunition, firearms possessed unlawfully, as well as firearm parts to the South African Police Service without fear of being prosecuted for the unlawful possession thereof.
What exactly can be surrendered during the Firearm Amnesty period?
Firearms that people unlawfully have in their possession, unwanted firearms, unregistered firearms, firearm parts and ammunition may be surrendered during the period of amnesty.
What is an unwanted firearm?
This relates to firearms that-
. The are lawfully in someone’s possession, but no longer needed or required by their owners;
. Are unsafe to use or, in a poor state;
. Were inherited from a deceased person and such person is not interested in keeping it;
. Were left behind by the previous owner of the property and found on such property.
What is an illegal firearm?
Any firearm or firearm part(s), which is not licensed and possessed in accordance with the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No 60 of 2000), is an illegal firearm.
An illegal firearm includes a firearm, or firearm part(s), that –
. Is (are) not registered to the current owner;
. Does not have a serial number or has a defaced (removed) serial number;
. Is possessed by a person who does not have a licence for a firearm.
Where do I surrender an unwanted firearm, illegal firearm, firearm parts or ammunition?
At the nearest police station between the hours of 08:00 and 17:00, including weekends.
Will I be arrested when I surrender a firearm that is in my possession unlawfully, an illegal firearm, firearm parts and ammunition?
The Amnesty provides indemnity from prosecution to any person for the unlawful possession of a firearm, firearm parts and ammunition.
Can I apply for licensing of my expired firearm licence during the Amnesty period?
The Amnesty allows persons whose firearm licences have expired, to surrender such firearms without facing prosecution.
The Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No 60 of 2000) further allows the person surrendering a firearm, to apply for a licence for such a firearm in terms of section 139(4)(a) of the Act.
The South African Police Service is urging the communities to take advantage of this process in order to create a South Africa that is safe for everyone.
