Firearm amnesty period extended
Illegal firearm owners now have a second chance to surrender firearms with the new firearm amnesty period approved by Parliament during the past week.
The period is now extended to 31 January 2021. Although the firearm amnesty period between December 2019 and May 2020 was hindered by the Covid-19 pandemic, the South African Police Services received 46 714 firearms.
Despite this, SAPS believe that there are more firearms to be surrendered and therefore welcomed the extended period. All firearms handed in will undergo ballistic testing to ensure that they have not been used in any crimes.
People are urged to take advantage of this period either to hand in firearms and ammunition for destruction or renewal of a competency certificate and valid licence.
According to SA Police Services, firearms are the preferred weapon in most violent crimes. Reducing the circulation of firearms may potentially reduce violent crimes significantly. Indemnity will not be granted for firearms used in criminal activities.
For enquiries, phone the FLASH Call Centre at 012 353 6111 or email cfrenquiry@saps.gov.za
