Illegal firearms pose a danger to communities.
The South African Police Service’s records show firearms are the most preferred weapon to use in committing robberies and murders, which explains the police’s focus of removing firearms from the streets.
Over the past year police have confiscated more than 4 000 illegal firearms during operations, and more than 72 000 firearms seized during operations over the past three years have been destroyed by the police.
Tips-offs from local communities play a pivotal role in assisting the police with tracing these illegal firearms. They appeal to residents to report and share information on criminals in possession of illegal firearms to help save more lives and reduce crime levels.
Communities are urged to call 08600 10111 immediately when they know of anyone in possession of illegal firearms.
Firearm owners must also remember to keep their licensed firearms in a safe whenever they are not in use, and must be the only person with the key, or they must keep it in a holster attached to their body when in their possession.
A firearm owner must always be in control of it.
If anyone wants to own a firearm legally, they firstly need to go for training and be in possession of a competency certificate from a registered firearms-training institute.
Once you have such a certificate you can apply for a firearm licence at your nearest police station. It’s noteworthy that you need a licence for every firearm you possess.
Always remember you must renew your firearm licence at least 90 days before the expiry date. Its validity varies between two and 10 years depending on the type of licence.
