Efforts stepped up to process backlog of firearm licences

The pandemic has hampered the delivery on the agreed 90-day turnaround time for licence applications.

Police spokesperson Colonel Brenda Muridili said the backlog was worsened by an influx of reapplication for licences during the previous and current firearm amnesty periods.

She said “mechanisms” had been put in place to alleviate the backlog which could not be enforced during the previous three alert levels of the national lockdown.

“Applicants are urged to be patient as the SAPS is reviewing a turnaround time to finalise applications from 90 to 120 working days. In the meantime, the working hours of employees at the CFR are also being increased to ensure effective and efficient service delivery in this regard,” Muridili said.

The CFR’s management, with support of the visible policing divisional commissioner Lieutenant-General Moeketsi Sempe, was continuously reviewing measures which could be put in place to mitigate the delays in processing firearm licence applications, she said.

“Firearm registration applicants may direct enquiries related to their applications to the FLASH call centre on 012-353-6111 or cfrenquiry@saps.gov.za,” Muridili said.

For more information on firearms, visit the SAPS firearm page by clicking here.

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