Firearm safety is paramount

The recent increase in the number of firearm-related crimes such as armed robberies and hijackings is alarming.

Committee member of Buffalo Shooting Range in Newcastle, Keith van Aarde said illegal firearms and negligence led to these crimes.

Owner of SF Shooting School in Newcastle, Susanna Fourie, said the only people who should use a firearm were those who underwent training at an accredited, reputable training institute.

“Firearm training is done so that a person can be declared competent by obtaining competency certification to comply with South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) Unit Standards. They must pass assessments, and meet the shooting criteria,” she said.

“Crimes with firearms occur when people are not trained correctly and when they have illegal firearms. Many people say firearms are dangerous, but the problem isn’t the gun, it is the person behind the trigger,” said Mrs Fourie.

Firearm safety laws of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000 and firearm safety regulations and tips include:

1. Missing firearms should be reported within 24 hours of being misplaced.

2. In the case of a firearm in the name of a deceased citizen, the next of kin should contact a designated firearm police officer (DFO) for advice.

3. When selling or supplying a firearm to a person who is not allowed to possess that firearm, such person will be found to be in possession of an unlicensed firearm and will be charged in terms of section 120 (1) (a) read with section 3 of unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.

4. Liquor outlets must ensure their patrons do not carry firearms inside business premises.

5. People under the influence of alcohol or drugs are not allowed to handle a firearm.

6. Firearm licence holders must not assist unlicensed firearm holders to buy ammunition using their licences.

7. People with firearms should ensure that the weapon is in a safe and the safe key in their possession or in a safe place if the weapon is not in their possession. “The most important safety precaution to abide by, is if your firearm is not under your direct control, it needs to be in an approved safe,” advised Mrs Fourie.

8. High calibre firearms must be concealed in an appropriate holster, and all firearms must be concealed because they intimidate other members of the public and an unconcealed firearm could be easily stolen.

9. Protect yourself and your children!

Mrs Fourie’s advice for anyone who wants to get a firearm or already has one, is to constantly practise. “A person must be at ease with their firearm and the only way to get comfortable is to practise. Sport shooting is a fun way to develop the skill of shooting and you need to teach your children about firearms to prevent accidents.”

“The firearm laws of the country are good, however the process to obtaining a firearm is tedious and inefficient,” said Mr van Aarde.

The legislation in South Africa is aimed at limiting hand gun ownership, but those who do own one must ensure that it is licensed. Since the use of illegal firearms in crime has increased, a much greater need to have protection has arisen.

Below is a guideline on the correct procedure to obtain a firearm legally in South Africa, adapted from www.westerncape.gov.za>service.

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To get a firearm licence you must get a competency certificate. Training must be completed at an accredited training provider. Once you have received training, you can apply for a firearm licence at the police station.

To get a competency certificate, the applicant must meet the following requirements:

· Must be 21 years old, unless there are convincing reasons requiring the applicant to get a firearm before the stipulated age

· Must be a South African citizen or permanent residence permit holder

· Must pass a thorough background check

· Must be mentally stable and fit

· Must not be addicted to drugs and alcohol

· Must not have a criminal record

· Must know how to use a firearm by successfully completing a basic training course at an accredited training institution.

After obtaining a valid competency certificate, you can then apply for the firearm licence.

To apply for the licence, you will need:

· To submit an application form to the police station with the competency certificate

· Two colour photographs

· A certified copy of ID or passport or a certified copy of permanent residence permit

· A proper motivation indicating the reasons for the need of the firearm

· To pay prescribed fees.

For more information on how to get a firearm licence, you can contact the Police Department and speak to the DFO, where you will receive detailed instructions for each step of the process.

Report illegal firearms or the abuse of firearms immediately to the police. Call SAPS Crime Stop on 08600 10111.