SAPS Zululand is calling on all gun owners to take advantage of the Firearm Amnesty period.
The Firearm Amnesty period commenced on December 1 and will run until the end of May, following a call from the Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele, to all gun owners to surrender their firearms. All firearms can be handed over at police stations from 7am until 5pm every day. Gun owners need to be aware that all firearms will be subjected to ballistic testing to determine if they have been used in a crime. The amnesty period also allows for gun owners to renew their licences in case they might have expired. Gen Cele is appealing to the public to participate in this act, since he believes it will result in the reduction of illegally possessed firearms. Cele further prompted the public: “I encourage all South Africans who are in possession of illegal or unwanted firearms to surrender them to their nearest police stations during this amnesty period, knowing they will not be prosecuted.”

Firearm Amnesty 2019/2020: Surrendering of firearms, ammunition and / or firearm parts by a person who is in UNLAWFUL POSSESSION. The Firearm Control Act and Firearms Control Regulations are as follows: 1. In terms of section 139 of the Act, the Minister of Police has declared an amnesty in order to allow any person who is in unlawful possession of firearms, ammunition and / or firearm parts the opportunity to surrender such firearms, ammunition and / or firearm parts without the fear of being prosecuted for the unlawful possession thereof. 2. In terms of section 139(4)(a) of the Firearm Control Act, 2000, a person who surrenders a firearm in compliance with a notice published in terms of subsection (1) may apply in terms of the Act for a licence in respect of the firearm. This shall not apply to illegal firearms. 3. The Firearm Amnesty commences until May 31, 2020. 4. No person may possess any firearm part unless he / she holds a licence in respect of a firearm capable of bearing that firearm part. 5. No person may possess any ammunition unless he / she holds a licence in respect of a firearm capable of discharging that ammunition or holds a permit to possess ammunition. 6. It is of paramount importance to note that any person who surrenders illegal firearms, ammunition or firearm parts in terms of the Gazetted Amnesty will not be prosecuted for contravening a provision of the Act relating to the possession of the item without the appropriate licence, permit or authorisation.

SAPS Zululand Cluster spokesperson Captain Nkocy Gwala requested all gun owners to surrender their firearms, ammunition or firearm parts to the designated firearm officers at their local police station . The public is urged to utilise and to take advantage of this Firearm Amnesty period, bringing about safety and accountability. Please take note that gun owners in the AbaQulusi area can hand in their firearms at 134B Landdrost Street, opposite ‘Oh My Goodness’ at the new premises of the Firearm Licensing Department.

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