According to SAPS records, firearms are the most preferred weapon when crime is committed during robberies and murders, and that is why the SAPS’s mandate is to remove these firearms from our streets.
In the past years, SAPS has confiscated more than 4000 illegal firearms during operations and more than 72,000 firearms that were seized during operations in the past three years have been destroyed by the police.
“Tip-offs from our communities play a pivotal role in assisting the SAPS to trace these illegal firearms. We plead with our communities to report and share information on criminals who have illegal firearms so that we can save more lives and reduce crime levels.”
Communities are urged to call 08600 10111 immediately when they are aware of anyone in possession of illegal firearms.
“Firearm owners must also remember to keep their licensed firearm in the safe and be the only person with the key to the safe. Whenever the firearm is not in use keep it in its possession on a holster attached to the body.”
It is urged that the firearm owner must always be in control of their firearm. If anyone wants to own a firearm legally, they first need to go for training and have a competency certificate from a registered firearms training institute. Once you have obtained the competency certificate, you can apply for a firearm license at your nearest police station. It is important to note that you need a license for every firearm that you possess.
Always remember that you must renew your firearm license at least 90 days before the expiry date. The validity of the license varies between two and ten years depending on the type of license.
By Sibongile Sokela