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23 January
2006: No 06/06
TAKE NOTE
THE FIREARMS CONTROL ACT, 2000 (ACT NO 60
OF 2000)
Members of the Department of Defence (DOD)
who own personal private firearms are required
in terms of the new Firearms Control Act (60 of
2000) to renew their firearm licences.
The reason for such renewal is to enhance the
constitutional rights of life and liberty, to
prevent the proliferation of illegal arms and to
control the supply, possession, safe storage and
transfer of legal firearms.
In short the new Act is intended to make
South Africa a safer place for its citizens, it
also promotes responsible firearm ownership and
ensures that a person is competent (within
reason) to possess a firearm.
When must one renew their firearm licence?
If a person's birthday occurs over the
period:
- 1 January to 31 March, then the
application for renewal should have been
done before 31 December 2005. All previously
issued licences will be regarded as
cancelled as of 31 December 2005. However,
an extension has been granted until 31 March
2006.
- 1 April to 30 June, application must be
made from 1 January to 31 December 2006. All
previously issued licences will be regarded
as cancelled as of 31 December 2006.
- 1 July to 30 September, application must
be made from 1 January to 1 December 2007.
All previously issued licences will be
regarded as cancelled as of 31 December
2007.
- 1 October to 31 December, application
must be made from 1 January to 31 December
2008. All previously issued licences will be
regarded as cancelled as of 31 December
2008.
It is important that members of the SANDF
apply for renewal of their private firearm
licences within the stated time constraints to
ensure compliance with the law. Those who do not
comply will be in contravention of the law and
may face prosecution for being in possession of
illegal firearms.
Unfortunately the SANDF has not been able to
negotiate any prior recognition competency
certificates with the South African Police
Service (SAPS). As a result all SANDF members
will have to follow the prescribed procedures at
this stage, notwithstanding the fact that most
members of the SANDF are reasonably
1 Firearms Control Act (60 of2002) Section 2
-if not very well -trained in firearm
competencies. The SANDF has not as yet
accredited its training courses in terms of the
South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
Consequently, all members who have their
birthdays within the first three months of the
year and who have adopted a "wait and see"
attitude are advised to apply for renewal of
their firearm licenses as soon as possible.
What does the renewal process entail?
- (Prospective) firearm owners must first
pass the prescribed training test at an
accredited training institution and obtain a
training
proficiency certificate.
- You must go to the Designated Firearm
Officer (DFO) at the SAPS station closest to
your ordinary residential address and apply
for a competency certificate.
- When you apply for your competency
certificate, you must at the same time apply
for the renewal of your firearm licence. You
must clearly state the purpose for which the
firearm is needed.
- The SAPS will take a complete set of
your fingerprints. The licence application
must be accompanied by four (4) recent
colour photographs (passport size). Payment
must be made by bank guaranteed cheque or
cash for:
- Competency certificate: R7O-OO.
- Licence application: R7O-OO.
- The SAPS will conduct an inspection to
determine whether your safe or strong room
meets the prescribed requirements.
- If your application is successful, the
DFO will hand you the competency certificate
and the firearms licence.
- You can contact your local DFO for any
enquiries.
DOD members in possession of a private
firearm, particularly those who's birthday falls
within the first three months are strongly urged
and advised to apply for a renewal of their
firearm (s) licence as soon as possible so as
not to fall foul of the law, and as a
consequence, possibly blemish future careers as
a result of a criminal record.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE
(MILITARY LEGAL SERVICES DIVISION)
CONTACT: NO (012) 355-5318
ENQUIRIES: CAPT (SAN) D.K. GILLESPIE | 
