Illegal firearm owners get a second chance with the new Firearm Amnesty period

A new Firearm Amnesty for a period of six months, which began on August 1 and will continue until January 31, 2021, has been approved by Parliament.

According to police officials, the previous amnesty period, which was also intended for a period of six months between December 2019 and May 2020 was thwarted by the unexpected Covid-19 pandemic.

“Despite this, the South African Police Service received a resounding 46 714 firearms,” said Colonel Brenda Muridili. “However, we believe there are much more firearms out there that still need to be surrendered and we are confident the response to the previous amnesty would have been even more resounding if it were not for the pandemic.”

According to Col Muridili, the restrictions of Levels 5 and 4 of the lockdown could have contributed towards why people neglected turning in illegal, unlicensed and unwanted firearms and ammunition.

“This prompted the Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele to approach Parliament to approve a new application of a six month amnesty period. The approval of the new application has since been published in the Government Gazette on July 31, which now allows all persons with illegal or unwanted firearms as well as ammunition to hand them in at their nearest police stations.”

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Col Muridili has urged people to take advantage of this period to either hand in firearms and ammunition for destruction or renewal of a competency certificate and a valid license.

“The latest National Crime Statistics once again show that firearms were the preferred weapon in the commission of most of the violent crime. Reducing the circulation of firearms may potentially reduce the scourge of violent crimes quite significantly,” she explained.

What is the Firearm Amnesty?

Col Muridili said the aim of the amnesty was to reduce the number of illegally possessed firearms in circulation across South Africa. She added that it provided firearm owners the opportunity to hand in illegal and unwanted firearms, with the result of a prevention of crime and the promotion of safety among South Africans.

“It must be noted that no indemnity will be granted for firearms used to commit any crime,” she warned.

All firearms that have been handed in will undergo ballistic testing to ensure they have not been used in the commission of any crimes, before they can be considered for destruction.

For Firearm Amnesty inquiries, contact the FLASH Call Centre on ‪012 353 6111‬ or email cfrenquiry@saps.gov.za.

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