The sections in the Firearms Control Act, 2000, (Act 60 of 2000) and the Firearms Control Regulations, 2003 relating to accreditation became effective from 1 July 2003.
The Firearms Control Act, 2000 stipulates that certain categories of entities, which include the owners of shooting ranges and training providers in the use of firearms must apply for accreditation in order to comply with the provisions of the Firearms Control Act.
The Regulations pertaining to the remaining sections of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Firearms Control Regulations, 2004) will come into effect during July 2004.
In order to provide training in the use of firearms in South Africa from July 2004, a training provider as well as the shooting range where the training will be conducted must be accredited by the South African Police Service.
The South African Police Service once again extends an invitation to all the training providers in the use of firearms and owners of shooting ranges to approach the Designated Firearms Officer responsible for the area in which the business is or will be situated to apply for accreditation. The application forms and detailed information regarding the requirements for accreditation can be obtained from the relevant Designated Firearms Officers. The SAPS will provide all possible assistance to applicants in order to complete the application process.
It must be emphasized that no person may be granted a competency certificate in order to obtain a firearm licence after the implementation of the Firearms Control Regulations, if the person did not undergo training by an accredited training provider on an accredited shooting range.