Police clamp down on unlicensed firearms and ammo in Standerton
The Firearm Control Act of 2000 regulates the process of applying for a firearm licence.
Jacobus Johannes Pieterse (39) appeared in the Standerton Magistrate’s Court on July 26 in connection with the possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
SAPS in Standerton arrested Pieterse in Meyerville, Standerton on July 25. The accused was granted bail of R500 and the case was postponed to August 30.
According to a statement from the provincial commissioner of police, detectives received information relating to the above and investigated.
Upon arrival at the premises, a search was conducted and three firearms were discovered namely a self-made pipe gun, a 9mm pistol and a pump action shotgun. Ammunition for both the pistol and shotgun were found as well. Pieterse was charged accordingly.
Police indicated that part of the investigation will include whether the seized firearms were not used previously in the commission of crimes.
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The weapons will be subject to ballistic testing. Police also said the possibility of adding more charges to the docket cannot be ruled out.
Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela welcomed the arrest and was in appreciation of the work done by the whistleblowers, as well as the police for their response.
“Our goal to remove unlawful and unlicensed firearms from society is yielding positive results. We are glad the public is playing a vital role in ensuring that this objective is achieved,” Manamela said.
The Firearm Control Act of 2000 regulates the process of applying for a firearm licence.
The Standerton Advertiser had in the past received numerous enquiries from the public intent on applying for a licence and referred them to our records in the safe of crimes that occurred in Standerton over the past years.
More than one local carefully wrote down the details to supplement an application.
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To apply for a licence, a green barcoded ID or card or passport is needed, an original competency certificate and two colour passport photographs not older than three months before going to the police station.
In the case of a deceased estate, an application can be made for an appropriate licence or the firearm can be deactivated or disposed of according to the provisions of the Firearm Control Act.
The newspaper hit upon a statement on Google of the Minister of Police in February this year, where he acknowledged the influx of illegal firearms in the country.
Bheki Cele presented the latest crime stats, a period beginning October to December last year. According to information, police seized more than 6 000 illegal firearms and 3 144 people were killed with firearms.
The newspaper reported on the murder case of Surprise Mnqobi Mkhwanazi, where Sibusiso Radebe was charged with possession of an illegal firearm.
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The deceased went missing on July 18 and his body was found in the Vaal River.
In a high-density operation called Shanela in Mpumalanga in June, police arrested one suspect in connection with illegal possession of a firearm.
The Firearm Control Act is clear on the proliferation of illegally possessed firearms.
The possible prohibition placed on persons by the Firearm Control Amendment Bill to obtain a firearm licence for self-defence caused an uproar in the past.
According to BBPLAW attorneys, the limitation imposed by the Bill would have resulted in no person being able to obtain a licence for self-defence purposes, hunting, and sporting purposes.
According to Section 12(1)(c) of the Constitution, everyone has the right to freedom and security of the person, which includes the right to be free from all forms of violence from either public or private sources.
The DA had a firm viewpoint in 2021 on the matter.
They were quoted as saying that instead of disarming law-abiding South Africans, police must stop arming criminals as more than 700 SAPS guns are lost or stolen annually, with many finding their way to criminals.
