Police urge residents to know the fundamentals when handling a firearm
Police have placed more emphasis on the correct handling of firearms, this after a second home owner shot an alleged robber in his home almost two week ago.
POLOKWANE -The homeowner is facing possible criminal charges after the incident.
According to Polokwane Police Spokesperson, Capt Ntobeng Phala, handling a firearm in the correct manner can mean the difference between facing a criminal charge or not. He recommends motorists and home owners to consult websites like arrive alive and firearm trainers for more information on the handling of firearms.
Arrive Alive have launched a campaign to assist in creating safety awareness about firearms, both while travelling and while at home. The purpose is to eliminate or minimise the risks of unintentional death, injury or damage caused by the improper handling of firearms.
A local firearm instructor, Rudi Myburg, says there are several things the public need to take into consideration when it comes to the correct handling of a firearm.
“Anyone handling a firearm should always assume the firearm is loaded.”
“The only unloaded firearm in the entire world is the one you have in your hand and have personally verified as being unloaded. If you set it down and take your hand from it, it should become considered as loaded again,” he explained.
Myburg explained that many firearm accidents result from the operator mistakenly believing a firearm is emptied, made safe, or otherwise disabled when in fact it is ready to be discharged.
He said misunderstandings can arise from a number of sources:
• Faulty handling of the firearm.
• Misunderstandings about a firearm’s status.
• Mechanical failures.
Wear, faulty assembly, damage or faulty design of the firearm can cause it not to function as intended.
“We urge residents to act within the law and make sure they have the proper training and licences before handling a firearm,” Phala said.
