Brighton Beach SAPS address firearm amnesty concerns

SURRENDERING a firearm during an amnesty period means you are exempt from being arrested for the possession of an unlicensed arm. This sounds clear, but Brighton Beach SAPS communications officer Captain Louise le Roux has set the record straight by addressing frequently asked questions about the firearm amnesty process.  

What does the firearm amnesty entail? Firearm amnesty means an indemnity against prosecution for the unlawful possession of a firearm, firearm parts or ammunition. The firearm amnesty period provides an opportunity for members of the public to surrender unwanted firearms and ammunition, firearms unlawfully in your possession, as well as firearm parts to the South African Police Service without fear of being prosecuted for the unlawful possession thereof.

When was the firearm amnesty declared? The firearm amnesty period was declared by the Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele, for a period of six months commencing from 1 August to 31 January 2021. This period has been set to allow members of the public ample time to surrender unwanted firearms and ammunition, firearms that are unlawfully in their possession, as well as firearm parts, to SAPS. This is one way in which the SAPS fights crimes committed with firearms, and also curbs the proliferation of firearms.

What should be surrendered during the firearm amnesty period? Firearms that people or institutions have unlawfully in their possession, as well as unwanted firearms, unregistered firearms, firearm parts and ammunition.

What is an unwanted firearm? This relates to firearms or firearm parts that: are lawfully in someone’s possession, that their owners no longer want or need. Are unsafe to use, or are in a poor state. Were inherited from a deceased person, and such a person has no interest in keeping it. Were left behind by the previous owner of a property, and were found on such property.

What is an illegal firearm? Any firearm or firearm parts, which is not licensed and in a person’s possession in accordance with the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No 60 of 2000), is an illegal firearm. An illegal firearm includes a firearm, or firearm parts, that: are not registered in the current owner’s name. Does not have a serial number or has a defaced (removed) serial number. Is possessed by a person who does not have a licence to possess that firearm.

The amnesty provides indemnity from prosecution to any person for the unlawful possession of a firearm, firearm parts and ammunition. Therefore, you may not be arrested for surrendering such firearm. You can apply for the licensing of a current expired licence during the amnesty period as the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No 60 of 2000) allows the person surrendering a firearm to apply for a licence for such a firearm in terms of section 139(4)(a).

For firearm amnesty inquiries, call the FLASH call centre on ‪012-353-6111‬, e-mail cfrenquiry@saps.gov.za or call your nearest police station on 031-469-8219 for Montclair Police Station, 031-451-6207 for the Wentworth Police Station or 031-451-8060 for the Brighton Beach Police Station. You can surrender your unwanted firearm, illegal firearm, firearm parts or ammunition at your nearest police station during office hours from 8am to 3pm.  

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