Avoid delays by verifying your firearm papers says Marlen Training Academy
Marlen Training Academy urged the public to contact them directly and to verify all certificates according to the national regulatory website
POLOKWANE – In order to successfully obtain a firearm licence there are specific procedures which need to be followed to prevent the careless issuing of licences.
It is illegal to have a firearm without a licence and each firearm must be licensed on its own.
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Potential firearm owners must successfully undergo the prescribed training at an accredited training institution and obtain a training proficiency certificate in order to proceed.
One such accredited institution in the city is Marlen Training Academy, a family business.
It recently came to their attention scammers have been operating under their name and illegally issuing proficiency certificates and competency certificates.
These documents enable people to apply for, and obtain, firearm licences.
Mari Venter, co-owner of Marlen Training Academy, told Review: “A man came by the store requesting we issue him a motivational letter so he could apply for his firearm licence. I immediately noticed that, even though the certificate stated it was issued by us, it was false because of the paper quality and because it was lighter in colour.
“I also noticed there were scan marks in the background. On further enquiry, it became apparent the man was misled by scammers operating under our name and I informed him the documentation was invalid”.
Venter explained this was not the first incident, adding they have opened a case against the culprits in April last year.
“We opened another case against the same scammers in middle February this year.
“They were released on bail, however, and a week after their release, they continued with the same modus operandi, operating from the same premises issuing false certificates under our name.
“This is a big concern as anyone can be duped into paying for false documentation to obtain a firearm licence only to be told they have to redo everything and pay again to obtain valid documentation,” she said.
Venter added they have taken various preventative measures in order to remedy this issue but, she added, these scammers have gone so far as to change even the barcodes on the falsified certificates.
Marlen Training Academy urged the public to contact them directly and to verify all certificates according to the national regulatory website.
“These scammers not only exploit the public to make money, they are busy with dangerous activities. The rules and regulations in place to obtain these documents legally are there for the protection and regulation of firearm users,” she said.
For more information, contact Mari Venter at 082 602 1043 or (015) 293 0363
