Illegal gun usage on the rise

The use of illegal guns in KwaDukuza is a serious issue that needs to be addressed.

KwaDukuza SAPS spokesperson Johannes Khoza said the Stanger police are on a mission to crack down on illegal weapons.

They believe that educating the public is the first step towards winning the battle.

“We have a lot of cases reported and we can see that the use of illegal firearms is on the rise. These firearms are normally used to commit crimes including armed robberies and car hijackings,” said Khoza.

The policeman said there are many people who do not report to the police if their guns are lost or stolen. He said this must be reported within 24 hours.

He also stressed that some families do not know what to do with a firearm, when a family member who owned the gun dies. So that gun might end up being sold cheaply, without a license.

Khoza said the next of kin of the deceased must report to the nearest police station and speak to the designated firearm officer (DFO) for advice.

He said there are four options that the next of kin can choose from:

The family can hand the firearm to a dealer to keep on their behalf. They will have to pay for this service.

“Firearms can be stored with a dealer, for example Selwels or Kings. The storage fee is R50 per month,” said Khoza.

Firearms may be stored or handed to a licensed person but the office of the DFO must be visited to apply for permission to store the firearm.

They can sell the firearm to a private person who must first make an application for the said firearm license.

Or they can hand the firearm in to the nearest police station for destruction.

Keeping the firearm without a license will result in the family being charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and if applicable, ammunition.

The next of kin may also apply for a license, as long as they do not have a criminal record. He said if the next of kin wish to sell the gun, he or she must follow the correct procedures or face the prospect of being arrested.

Khoza also urged taverns and shebeen owners to be careful. He said liquor license holders should ensure that their patrons do not carry firearms because the Liquor Act 6 of 2010 section 93 (1) (b) states that it is illegal to be in possession of a firearm on a liquor premises where there is no safe provided to store the firearm. It is illegal to handle a firearm while under the influence of alcohol.

“Liquor licence holders are responsible up until a five metres radius of the premises.”

Firearm license holders must also not assist unlicensed firearm holders to buy ammunition using their licenses because they will face the consequences,” said Khoza.

When the firearm is not in your possession it must be in a safe and the safe keys in your possession or kept in a safe place. All firearms must be concealed with an appropriate holster.

He urged the community to report any one who is in possession of an illegal gun.

Umhlali SAPS urge residents who applied for competency certificates and firearm licence to please go to the firearm office at the station for collection from Monday to Wednesday before 10am.

Captain Yogendran Maharaj from Umhlali SAPS said police are also tackling crimes against women and children and human trafficking. He said for them to win this battle they need the public to inform them of these crimes.

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