The Portfolio Committee on Police will, this Tuesday (8 March 2016), host a roundtable discussion between the South African Police Service and stakeholders in the firearms sector on the current challenges in the fire-arm licensing process.
According to Committee Chairperson, Mr Francois Beukman, the Committee has been seized with this matter since December last year, where it received various written representations from roleplayers in the firearms sector regarding challenges experienced in the firearm licensing process. “It is vital that the communication lines between the industry and SAPS remain open and there must be a platform for constructive exchange of ideas.”
Mr Beukman believes that such open lines of communication and frank engagements will go a long way in speedily addressing any blockages bedevilling the efficacy of firearm licensing.
The meeting will also evaluate the effectiveness of forums established after the 2015 Firearms Summit to facilitate cooperation between SAPS and the Industry.
Matters pertaining to the Central Fire-Arms Registry will also be discussed at the meeting. During the second half of the year, the Committee will also process the much-anticipated Firearms Amendment Act.
Mr Beukman also said that the Committee was looking forward to the engagement. “If the public and civil society raises matters of concern regarding policing in this country, the committee is duty bound to deal with those matters. The input of all role-players is vital for Parliament, and we will continue this approach to ensure that all voices are heard.”
Committee Chairperson says, with the Acting National Commissioner Lt Gen Pahlane having committed the SAPS to implement the back to basics approach to policing, the outcomes of Tuesday’s deliberations should be positive ones.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Tel: 021 403 8307
Cell: 078 735 8809 / 081 402 3531
E-mail: tgubula@parliament.gov.za
