Home crime Gun owners granted 6 month amnesty to hand over illegal firearms, ammunition

Gun owners granted 6 month amnesty to hand over illegal firearms, ammunition

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The new firearm amnesty was approved by parliament this week to extend the period for six months, commencing from, August 1 until January 31 2021.

GUN OWNERS have been granted another six months in which to hand over illegal firearms and ammunition to the police.

The new firearm amnesty was approved by parliament this week to extend the period for six months, commencing from, August 1 until January 31 2021.

Colonel Brenda Muridili said the amnesty period was extended due to the unexpected Covid-19 pandemic.

“A total of 46 714 firearms were handed in so far. However, we believe that ther are many more firearms out there that still need to be surrendered. We are confident the response to the previous amnesty would have been even more resounding had it not been for the pandemic.”

Muridili said the Covid-19 restrictions during levels 5 and 4 of the lockdown had prevented people from turning in illegal as well as their unlicensed and unwanted firearms and ammunition.

“We are urging people to take advantage of this period either to hand in those firearms and ammunition either for destruction or renewal of a competency certificate and a valid licence.”

She added that the latest national crime statistics had indicated that that firearms were the preferred weapon in the commission of violent crime.

“Reducing the circulation of firearms may potentially reduce the scourge of violent crimes quite significantly.

The firearm amnesty provides firearm owners with the opportunity to hand in illegal and unwanted firearms which will result in the prevention of crime and promotion of safety to ensure people living in South Africa.”

Muridili advised that no indemnity would be granted for firearms used to commit any crime.

” All firearms that have been handed in will undergo ballistic testing to ensure that they have not been used in the commission of any crimes, before they can be considered for destruction.”

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