End nigh for extended firearms amnesty period

The firearm amnesty period, which was extended by an additional six months at the beginning of August 2020, is drawing to a close.

The extended amnesty period will end on Sunday, 31 January 2021.

“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,” provincial police spokesperson Colonel Brenda Muridili said.

While 46 714 firearms were received during the initial amnesty period, Muridili said they believed there were many more firearms which still needed to be surrendered.

The extended amnesty period was published in a Government Gazette on 31 July 2020.

“We are confident the response to the previous amnesty period would have been even more resounding if it were not for the pandemic as the restrictions of levels 5 and 4 somewhat prevented people from turning in illegal as well as their unlicensed and unwanted firearms and ammunition,” Muridili said.

The amnesty period allowed members of the public to surrender unwanted or firearms they possessed illegally, along with ammunition or firearm parts to the police without fear of being prosecuted for the unlawful possession of the equipment.

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“The objective of the amnesty period was to reduce the large pool of illegal or unwanted firearms, ammunition or firearm parts that are in circulation in the country,” police said in a statement.

Those who surrendered their firearms or parts thereof would be required to complete and sign the necessary forms at their nearest police station and should insist on a copy of the SAPS amnesty form.

Members of the public were also encouraged to note that they could, in line with the firearms control act, apply for a licence in respect of the firearm they handed in.

They would, however, have to comply with the provisions of the act which included:

– The limitation on the number of firearms for different categories a person could legally possess

– Be in possession of a valid competency certificate for the firearm for a licence they applied for

– Physically hand in the firearm to the designated amnesty officer and lodge and application within 14 days

Meanwhile, Muridili said they were still encouraging people to take advantage of the extended amnesty period by either handing in the illegal firearms or parts thereof, for destruction or renewal of a competency certificate and a valid licence.

“The latest national crime statistics once again show that firearms were the preferred weapon in the commission of most of the violent crimes,” she said.

“Reducing the circulation of such firearms could potentially reduce the scourge of violent crimes quite significantly.”

“The firearm amnesty period envisages to see a reduced number of illegally possessed firearms in circulation in the country.”

She highlighted that no indemnity would be granted for firearms used to commit any crime.

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

Those with enquiries about firearm amnesty could contact the police’s FLASH call centre on 012-353-6111 or send an email for cfenquiry@saps.gov.za.

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