AfriForum demands answers about outstanding firearm licences

The civil rights organisation AfriForum haven’t received any correspondence from the SAPS and the Government Printing Works (GPW) after a letter sent by the organisation’s legal team on 17 July 2020 about the delay in the printing of firearm licences. The organisation also requested feedback on plans to manage the bottleneck caused by the delay. Both the SAPS and the GPW were requested to react by 22 July 2020.

This follows after AfriForum was inundated with inquiries from frustrated and concerned members who still haven’t received their licence cards, despite the fact that their licences had been approved in February. Upon inquiry at the relevant police stations, people are simply informed that the delay lies with the GPW.

“AfriForum will be watching this matter closely, because it will have a direct influence on the ability of law-abiding citizens to protect themselves and their families,” says Marnus Kamfer, AfriForum’s Legal and Risk Manager for Community Safety.

According to the Firearms Control Act (Act 60 of 2000) a prospective firearm owner should have his/her licence card in hand before the person can collect his/her weapon from a supplier or the person they bought it from.

“We will continue putting pressure on the institutions responsible for the printing and distribution of firearm licences. Persons who find themselves in this position should also persist in following up at the relevant police stations about the status of their licences.”