Firearm Licence Renewal January 2009

Statement Regarding the Renewal of Firearm Licenses

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.

1. Supt Leon Engelbrecht
Tel : (012) 393 5505
Cell phone : 082 875 8975
Email : mediarelations@saps.org.za

2. Dir Jaco Bothma
Tel : (012) 353 6268
Cell phone : 082 779 8728
Email :bothmaj@saps.org.za

3. Snr Supt Thumba Govender
Tel : (012) 353 6034
Cell phone : 082 493 1249
Email :govenderT@saps.org.za