South African gun owners have been warned to start the process of renewing their gun licenses at leat 90 days before it expires and get competency certificates to use them – but only if it’s legal.
The SAPS says any person who wishes to renew their legal licences to possess a firearm, deal in firearms, manufacture firearms or conduct business as a gunsmith, must, at least 90 days before the expiry date of the licence, apply for the renewal of the applicable licence. The same goes for the renewal of any relevant competency certificate. The statement says nothing about illegal fire-arms, so we assume you can possess then without a competency certificate…
The warning this week from the SAPS says the purpose of renewing a firearm licence or permit is to determine if a person still complies with the provisions of the Firearms Control Act and the Firearms Control Regulations. This is in order to ensure effective control and responsible firearm and ammunition ownership.
The police had nothing to say to illegal fire-arms owners, but says legal applicants must be in possession of a valid competency certificate before an application is lodged for a firearm licence.
“Whereas some of the requirements are that the applicant must be a South African citizen or a permanent resident, be above 21 years, be gainfully employed, and more, it is advisable for the applicant to get in touch with the designated firearm officer at their nearest police station for clarity on any piece of information or to visit the SAPS website.”
The police service also reminded applicants that regardless of the kind of firearm licence/s being applied for, all applicants are required to produce a competency certificate for that category, identity document or proof of permanent residency, and documentary proof specific for the category of licence/s they are applying for.
