The minister for Safety and Security has announced that the Firearms Control legislation will be implemented on 1 July 2004.
Since the announcement, many rumours have surfaced regarding the implementation of the Firearms Control legislation. These rumours have led to false and misleading information being published in the media.
The South African Police Service has been preparing for the implementation of the Firearms Control Act and Regulations and I am convinced that we are able and ready to implement the Act. The preparation for the implementation included the establishment of a structure for Designated Firearms Officers, the appointment and training of theses officers and equipping the offices with technology and other resources to deal with all aspects relating to the licencing of firearms. We have started with the accreditation of training institutions and shooting ranges, hunting associations, official institutions, and other businesses.
I want to set the record straight by providing the correct information on the implementation of the Firearms Control legislation.
All licences, permits and authorisations issued to possess a firearm in terms of the Arms and Ammunition Act that are valid on 30 June 2004 will remain valid until they are renewed in terms of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 unless they are withdrawn for any legal reason.
All applications for a firearm licence and all appeals received up to 30 June 2004 in terms of the Arms and Ammunition Act will still be processed.
Persons who are in possession of more that 200 rounds of ammunition on 30 June do not have to fear prosecution, as this limitation is only applicable to firearms licensed in terms of the Firearms Control Act. It does not apply to firearms that are licensed in terms of the Arms and Ammunition Act. However, we do recommend that firearm owners start to prepare to be in line with the provisions of the Act.
From 1 July this year all new applications for a firearm licence will be evaluated in terms of the provisions of the Firearms Control Act and Regulations. Every person who applies for a firearm licence will have to obtain a competency certificate, the person must first complete a basic training course at an accredited training institution, after which the SAPS will complete a background assessment and issue a competency certificate to a successful applicant. A competency certificate will be valid for a period of five years from the date of issue.
In terms of the Firearms Control Act, 2000, all existing firearm licences will have to be renewed. The South African Police Service will call up persons to renew their firearm licences that were issued in terms of the Arms and Ammunition Act by end of 2004.
All institutions that own firearms, including security service providers, will be called up to renew their firearm licences from 1 July 2006 to 31 December 2006.
When the company obtains a firearm licence in terms of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 or when the current firearms are renewed in terms of the Firearms Control Act, the firearm may only be issued to an employee who is in possession of a competency certificate.
The renewal process will be preceded by a comprehensive communication drive. Firearm owners are encouraged to obtain the correct information from the SAPS.
I want to ensure all that the South African Police Service is fully capable to implement the Firearms Control Act, 2000 and that we aim to provide the best service possible.
Anyone who needs more information on the Act is invited to contact the appointed Designated Firearms Officer or direct the inquiry to our firearms call centre during office hours at Tel (012) 353-6111 or e-mail firearms@saps.org.
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