Yes, I just heard from my wife - today was "speedo" day for the men in RSA. They had the guys running in just speedo's to make people aware of testical cancer (in the streets of Johannesburg) So the old saying "jog strap and tackies" is not so far fetched! (I must say I prefer the cleavage thing)
Piet

The next chapter
 

I have now received the official receipt of my son's application to transfer the Luger and Winchester to his name.
Hopefully this will give me the right to keep the weapons untill his licences are approved.
There is still a possibility that I will have to leave the weapons at the police station untill the approvals are received.
We have no idea how long this will take.
The hunting and rifle associations are still making a lot of noise to try and get out of the police-station thing.
I will keep you posted.
Piet

Piet,

I really hope that everything goes fine to you.
Try to keep the guns with you. Try to ask for help from the associations you mentioned.

Thanks for keeping us informed about this subject.

Douglas

New Developments
 

The previous Act on Firearms and Ammunition (1969) was changed in 2000. The new act made provision for a competency certificate to be acquired as well as that everybody had to re-apply for their licences before certain cut off dates.
In today’s paper (Rapport) it was reported that the South African Hunting and Animal Protection Association has succeeded to acquire an urgent application to the High Court of Pretoria, to declare the certain parts of the new law as unconstitutional. The hearing will take place on 18 June 2009.
According to Mr. Fred Camphor, the vice President of the association there were about 4 million firearms licences and about 2 million owners according to the regulations of the 1969 act. Only about 700,000 owners have applied for competency certificates. Only 52% of these applications were decided on. (I know of some that is still outstanding after 3 years- my own took 2 years and 3 months)
Firearms that are in the process of being sold or given away had to be checked in at the nearest police station by 30 June 2009 if the new owners licence was not yet approved of. This was amended during the last week. We can apply to obtain permits to keep the firearms until the new owners licences are approved of (Maximum 12 months) I will submit my applications tomorrow. I don’t think I will have problems to obtain them. The Captain at the station said they have only 7 days to process the permits. Persons can apply till 30 June. Hopefully the Luger and Winchester will be safe with me until my son’s licences are approved of.

Piet:cheers:

Hoping everything goes through as scheduled.

Charlie

Decision of the High Court
 

The High Court decided that legal owners of firearms according to the Act of 1969 will still be the legal owners after 30 June 2009. The reason is that the new Act of 2000 might be unconstitutional and will be tested in the constitutional Court in a few months time. I have done everything in my power to safeguard my few weapons, but all the licences and permits are not issued yet. My receipts would have been my proof of ownership.
For the ones that did not try to renew, de-activate or sell or give away the weapons, this is good news as they cannot be arrested on 1 July 2009 anymore. They are still in trouble, but they now have more time to make a plan. I think they would have battled to arrest a million law abiding citizens, who became criminals because of changes in the law.
We will see what will happen. We have wintertime now, so I had the braai or barbeque a few months back to celebrate. See photo!
Piet
:D

I had lunch with a couple of guys from the NRA this week. They told me that membership is growing at the rate of 100,000 a month. I questioned that. They assured me the numbers were right.

FN

Piet,
Good news!!! :thumbsup:

I will keep my eyes open and let you know of further developments. What I do know is that many people, especially older people opted to surrender their licenced weapons to the police. My father (now nearly 80, phoned a few dealers in Pretoria (he still has a BRNO .22 that must be transferred to my sister's son). They are not even interested to take the weapon into dealers stock, for they do not have enough space in their safes. They will not even take it for free.
Piet

Piet, it is truly sad that good people have to go through such bad things. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Hope something good happens.

Charlie