Firearm control remains one of the key pillars in the fight and reduction of crime in South Africa.
The Ministry of Police wishes to clarify its position on the process of firearms licences; that the primary objective is to ensure that firearms remain in the hands of competent and law-abiding citizens. This clarity seeks to dispel allegations that the ministry refuses certain applicants, despite them meeting all the requirements of the Firearms Control Act.
In a statement by SAPA yesterday, the Gun Owners of South Africa (GOSA) was quoted: “Gun licence applications are being refused despite applicants being in compliance with all requirements. Fifty percent of gun licence applications are being refused. Applications for competency are being refused where applicants are fully in compliance with all proficiencies as prescribed by law and have no disqualifying criminal records.”
The ministry has always advocated a working-together approach with all stakeholders in the fight against crime and we remain committed to this approach. However we believe that GOSA’s afore-quoted remarks are a bit premature in terms of auditing the improvements of the Crentral Firearms Registry (CFR).
GOSA falsely accuse the ministry of ‘not disclosing the turn-around plan and that the implementation of the FCA is a billion rand black hole’. For the record, the Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa accompanied by Deputy Minister Maggie Sotyu and National Police Commissioner, General Bheki Cele came before the nation last year on 2 November 2010 to boldly acknowledge some of the challenges facing the CFR. This approach was not informed by denialism of the challenges but a corrective one where they also announced a nine month turnaround plan.
“Post the briefing, the appointed task team which included the Secretariat of Police and SAPS management began zooming into the challenges without delay. As the police leadership it would have been folly to assume that this will be a quick fix solution. We remain confident that progress is being made, albeit some teething problems in certain areas which are being ironed out,” stated the Minister.
“We could never equate a cost to human lives when it comes to fighting crime. The ministry, in its endeavours of ensuring proper control of firearms in this country is not informed by how much that would cost because our view is premised along an understanding that no monetary value can supersede protection of lives,” added Minister Mthethwa.
The turnaround plan included amongst others reducing the backlog in the processing of licences, eliminating alleged corruption and irregular issuing of licences. It also involved the redesigning of the CFR systems, IT and operational and more critically, improving communication with all applicants on an ongoing basis.
Minister Mthethwa receives regular updates from the appointed task team with the recent being held last week Tuesday in Cape Town. The team highlighted some progress in certain areas while acknowledging problems in others. He has now instructed the team to do things faster and smarter.
The ministry appeals to GOSA to support the ministry in ensuring that we take the fight to the criminals and not prejudge processes that are still unfolding. Indeed, it remains the ministry’s goal to eliminate scores of illegal firearms which happen to be in the hands of criminals and this can significantly reduce crime across all facets.
For enquiries, please contact:
Zweli Mnisi
Cell: 082 045 4024
