Over 500 residents still to renew firearm licences

Firearm licence holders who fail to renew their licences are reminded that the use of a firearm becomes illegal according to the Firearms Control Act (Act 6 of 2000).
SAPS Nigel’ spokesperson W/O Madeleine von Wielligh said it is important to note that firearm licence holders need to apply for the renewal of their licences 90 days prior to the expiry date as stipulated on their firearm licences.
“We urge residents to renew their licences in order to prevent the unlawful use of the firearm. We received around 150 applications in February where most of them expired between 2010 and 2013. This means we are still short of those who expired during 2014”, she said.
SAPS Nigel’s firearm offices said they estimate that around 500 residents of Nigel are in possession of firearms without valid licences.
Police said the process to renew a licence takes up to three months to complete and costs R140 per application.
“We urge firearm licence holders who are in possession of the white competency certificates and firearm licence cards, to check the expiry date on the cards in adherence to the requirements of the act,” W/O Von Wielligh said.
An improvement in the collection of applications have been observed for the past month. However, a large number of expired licences and certificates are still outstanding according to the SAPS Nigel’s database.
To clarify any uncertainty in this regard, residents can phone the local firearm offices at 011 812 6505.