14 January 2009
In terms of the transitional provisions of the Firearms Control Act, 2000
(Act No. 60 of 2000), the period in which firearm licences may be renewed is
nearing an end. The South African Police Service commenced with the renewal of
firearm licences in January 2005 and the final phase for the renewal of firearm
licences ends on 31 March 2009.
The last group of people whose birthday falls within the period of 1 October
to 31 December, have only until 31 March 2009 to submit their applications for
the renewal to the Designated Firearms Officer situated in the area where they
reside.
"I urge those persons who have not submitted their renewal applications to
do so as soon as possible and not to wait until the last day. Past experience
showed that a large number of people wait until the last few days to submit
their applications. This resulted in long queues and angry applicants at the
respective Firearm Registration Centres and hampered the effectiveness of the
Designated Firearms Officers," Divisional Commissioner Lamoer said.
The South African Police Service will do its utmost to ensure that the
necessary support be provided to the firearm owners who wish to renew their
firearm licences. However, firearm owners are encouraged to co-operate by
submitting their renewal applications as soon as possible.
It must be stated that there will not be an extension after 31 March 2009
for the late filing of renewal applications. All firearm owners in South Africa
must note that if they do not wish to renew their firearm licences or where
they failed to file their renewal applications within the set renewal periods
have an opportunity until 30 June 2009, to opt for other options such as
selling of their firearms to another person/legal entity, applying to the South
African Police Service to deactivate the firearm or voluntarily handing the
firearm over to the South African Police Service for destruction.
The South African Police Service wishes to extend a special word of
appreciation to all firearm owners who submitted their renewal applications in
time. Your loyal effort contributes to the effective control and management of
firearms in South Africa and supports the South African Police Service effort
to address the proliferation of firearms.
Information on the renewal of firearms and other options are available from
Designated Firearms Officers at the respective Police Stations and Firearm
Registration Centres or at the National Firearms Call Centre at tel: 012 353
6111, fax: 012 353 6034 or e-mail firearms@saps.org.za.
Enquiries:
Supt Leon Engelbrecht
Tel: 012 393 5505
Cellphone: 082 875 8975
E-mail : mediarelations@saps.org.za
Dir Jaco Bothma
Tel: 012 353 6268
Cellphone: 082 779 8728
E-mail: bothmaj@saps.org.za
Snr Supt Thumba Govender
Tel: 012 353 6034
Cellphone: 082 493 1249
E-mail: govenderT@saps.org.za
Issued by: South African Police Service
14 January 2009