Gun control campaign focuses on licenses
The SAPS conducts background verification on every person that applies for a firearm licence.
A BROCHURE campaign to enlighten the community on firearm control was hosted by Brighton Beach SAPS on Thursday, 8 September.
According to media officer, Captain Louise, Le Roux, the Firearm Control Act, 2000 determines the following:
“Before a person is granted a firearm licence, he or she must:
- Obtain a training certificate by writing a test;
- Undergo practical shooting training in the handling of a firearm for which he/she is applying.
The SAPS conducts background verification on every person that applies for a firearm licence.
The SAPS will not issue a competency certificate to a person if they are dependent on any substance, are mentally unstable or show a tendency towards violence.
How can a person be declared unfit to be in possession of a firearm?
The SAPS can declare a firearm owner unfit to possess a firearm if –
- A final protection order in terms of the Domestic Violence Act, 1998 has been issued against him or her;
- He or she has threatened to kill or injure himself, herself or another person by means of a firearm or any other dangerous weapon;
- He or she is mentally unstable, displays violent behaviour or is dependent on any substance such as drugs or alcohol;
- He or she does not store the firearm in a safe place; and
- He or she provides false information in order to obtain a firearm.
To enable the SAPS to start an investigation to declare a person unfit to possess a firearm, the SAPS must obtain a statement under oath from a witness.
A person will automatically be declared unfit to possess a firearm if he or she has been convicted in court of, among others:
- Any offence involving violence or sexual abuse;
- Any offence mentioned in the Domestic Violence Act, 1998 where the person is sentenced to imprisonment without the option of a fine; and the abuse of alcohol or drugs and dealing in drugs.”
Capt le Roux urges people to report the illegal possession and distribution of firearms and lawful firearm owners who use their firearms in contravention of the Act.
SMS the hotline on 32211; go to www.crimeline.co.za or call Crime Stop on 08600-10111 or Brighton Beach SAPS on 031-451-8059/60/00.
Brighton Beach management thanks Capt Le Roux and Reservist Capt Avril Fabré for the work done in the campaign at Bluff Spar and Bluff Towers Mall.
