The Portfolio Committee on Police strongly condemns allegations surrounding a police officer working for the Central Firearms Registry (CFR) who apparently accepts bribes for issuing out gun licences.
If the allegations are true, the Committee calls on the National Commissioner to swiftly take decisive action against the officer who is alleged to be taking bribes. The Committee will also request that the police look into the possibility of withdrawing the licence of the dealer (implicated in the bribery allegations). Corruption is a serious offence and it has to be rooted out.
The Committee is concerned that there are police officers who are undermining the firearm legislation, which is a progressive legislation that aims to better control firearms, and ensure that people who own firearms are competent to do so.
It is disappointing to hear of allegations like this, because if these allegations are true, then it means that gun licences are being awarded to people who might not be competent to handle firearms, thus endangering the lives of ordinary South Africans. The Committee also urges all South Africans to refrain from soliciting and accepting bribes from police officials.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Kanyisa Ndyondya, Parliamentary Communication Services
Tel: 021 403 8041
Cell: 083 624 0585
E-mail: kndyondya@parliament.gov.za
