Objective is to ensure that only responsible, law-abiding and compliant citizens own firearms.
The Ministry of Police has noted today’s accusations and impending lawsuits by one Mr Martin Hood regarding alleged failure of the ministry to deal with firearm backlog applications. In today’s New Age newspaper article, Page 2 headlined: “Lawsuit looms against police” Mr Hood is quoted as saying: “The problem has reached crises stakes and Mthethwa has lost total control of the firearm licensing process.”
It is unfortunate that since Minister Mthethwa announced a turn-around strategy of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Central Firearms Registry (CFR) in November last year, in particular urging various gun-owner organisations to work with the ministry in clearing the backlogs; while many continue to support this process others have opted to support the ministry through the courts.
In fact, in a press statement issued by the ministry (24 May 2011), Minister Mthethwa noted progress on the number of approved firearm licence applications but acknowledged that but much still needs to be done. For the record, the ministry has been maintaining ongoing communications on progress not only through the media, but also through direct engagements with various firearms control bodies. Of importance from the Minister, was that he tasked the Secretariat for Police to relook at reasons for each refusal so that emphasis and focus is not only on meeting deadlines but ensure compliance with the Act.
“For us what becomes important during this period is not meeting deadline but ensuring that law-abiding citizens who apply for firearms ownership are granted. It is after all, not our intention to arm every citizen particularly those who are not fit to own firearms. We therefore appeal to all those interested parties to support us as we deal with these backlogs; and, further invite them to approach us if they have anything to contribute to this process. Engaging through courts will not benefit anybody,” stated Minister Mthethwa.
There are also a few issues that need to be thoroughly scrutinised in relation to Mr Hood’s allegations of “substantial non-compliance with the court order.” Almost all the orders that he has referred to the Ministry (through the Secretariat for Police) settlements have been reached. Our attorneys requested him to provide us with a copy of the order and unfortunately this has not been forthcoming on time. The ministry is doing its best, although more still needs to be done particularly around capacitating the office.
It is important to highlight that the CFR cannot reverse a refusal without an appeal board decision or a court order and thus we have to wait until we have the order. As soon as we have an order it takes less than two days to implement same. In addition the Appeals Board is also dealing with cases where gun owners appeal against decisions of the CFR. For example, last month that is, May, the Appeals Board heard 1 300 cases and in 800 cases the Appeal Board overturned the decision of SAPS and the appeal was successful.
It is also a fact that it is often easier to obtain a hunting firearm licence than a personal self-defence firearm, reason being that many applications for hunting licenses are dedicated hunters. Such individuals have the necessary safes, training and comply with the requirements. The legislation is very clear on the requirements and we cannot compromise these standards.
Enquiries:
Zweli Mnisi
Cell: 082 045 4024
