Firearm amnesty: here’s how you surrender your guns
If you have an unwanted or unlicensed firearm, ammunition or firearm parts, you can surrender them to your local police station from now until the end of May 2020.
South African gun owners have six months to surrender unwanted firearms or firearms with expired licences to the authorities.
This means, if you have an unwanted or unlicensed firearm, ammunition or firearm parts, you can surrender them to your local police station from now until the end of May 2020.
“A person who surrenders his or her firearm during the amnesty period will be required to complete and sign the necessary forms at the nearest station,” police said in a statement.
“This person must insist on a copy of the SAPS 548 or amnesty form.”
“In terms of the firearm control act, anyone who surrenders a gun in compliance with the act may apply for a licence for the gun.”
Police said an application will not apply to illegal guns where documentary proof of previous owners cannot be produced.
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To apply for the licence the person must comply with the following provisions in the act:
– The limitation on the number of guns for different categories a person may legally possess.
– The applicant must be in possession of a valid competency certificate for the gun.
– A person who applies for a firearm licence is required to physically hand in the gun to the designated amnesty official, and lodge an application within 14 days.
“Only the person who physically surrenders the gun in person may apply for a licence,” police said.
“The application for the licence must be submitted to the relevant designated amnesty official responsible for the area in which the applicant resides.”
The following must be included:
– A certified copy of the applicant’s competency certificate.
– In cases where the applicant does not possess a competency certificate, he/she must apply for a competency certificate.
– Complete Form 271 on which the applicant has indicated his/her intention to apply for the specific firearm licence.
– Provide a comprehensive motivation to support the need for the licence, preferably in the form of a statement under oath or affirmation.
– Provide, if applicable, a certified copy of the legal firearm licence, permit or authorisation applicable to the specific firearm.
Frequently asked questions about the amnesty can be found at www.saps.gov.za.
For more information, contact your local police station or the central firearms register call centre on 012-353-6111.
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