Firearm amnesty to be gazetted

A FIREARM amnesty set for later this year is the topic of much discussion by associations concerned about the security of weapons handed in to police stations.

Endorsed by parliament via the Portfolio Committee on Police, the amnesty is expected to be in effect from 1 June to 30 November.

Amid much concern from, among others, members of the Portfolio Committee on Police and firearm lobby groups (including the SA Gun Owners Association – SAGA), the Minister of Police has confirmed the amnesty which will soon be gazetted.

In view of questions raised by those debating the validity of the amnesty, SAGA Chairperson, Advocate John Welch said, ‘These questions appear to be well founded, having regard to the fact that the number of firearms lost or stolen from many police stations indicates the SAPS themselves have a serious problem with the safekeeping of firearms.

‘Even more concerning are the documented cases in which SAPS personnel have been convicted of selling large volumes of unlicensed firearms directly to criminals.

‘This would indicate there is little guarantee that firearms handed to SAPS under the 2018 amnesty may not be at risk of finding their way directly into the hands of gangs and criminals.’

Welch said there has been much parliamentary debate over whether the main purpose of the amnesty, which is the reduction of illegally possessed firearms, will be achieved.

A separate capacity, the Amnesty Officer, has been created to properly receive, document and safeguard firearms handed in under amnesty conditions.

A person who surrenders a firearm or ammunition is indemnified against prosecution only for the unlawful possession of such firearm and ammunition.

Should a firearm be linked to a crime, prosecution could

follow.