KWADUKUZA SAPS has urged gun owners to adhere to the Firearms Control Act, and said it is extremely important to conceal firearms when carried in public.

KwaDukuza communications official, Priya Nunkumar, said community members must adhere to the following:

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According to the Firearm Control Act 2000, Chapter 9 (Section 84), no person may carry a firearm in a public place unless the firearm is carried (in the case of a handgun) in a holster or similar holder designed, manufactured or adapted for the carrying of a handgun and attached to his or her person.

Other firearms must also be carried in a holder designed, manufactured or adapted for the carrying of the firearm. The person carrying the firearm must be able to exercise effective control over it at all times.

Always adhere to the following firearm safety tips:

* Before handling any firearm, understand its functioning.
* Think before shooting. Once you pull the trigger you can’t take back the shot you’ve just fired!
* Handling firearms is dangerous. Never joke around while handling or using firearms.
* Don’t sleep with a loaded firearm in your bedroom.
* It is your responsibility to insure that your firearm is always either about your person and under your personal control, or positively secured from access by children or other unauthorized parties. Prevent tragedy by locking away your firearms in a safe when they aren’t in use.
* Never point a firearm at yourself or others.
* Never take alcohol, drugs or medications while in possession of a firearm.
Kwadukuza SAPS Station Commander, Brigadier SF Mhlongo, urged the community to always adhere to the safety tips and ensure firearms are concealed from public view to ensure there is no misuse of one’s firearm.
‘People must report any illegal firearms or the abuse of firearms to their local police station, or contact the SAPS Crime Stop line on 08600 10111’, she said.