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
