Pretorria: 18 February 2016 – In order to ensure that the process of renewing firearm licences is as efficient as possible, the South African Police Service (SAPS) calls upon all those whose licences are due for renewal to start the process at least 90 working days before they expire.
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, 2000 (Act No 60 of 2000) and the Firearms Control Regulations, 2004 in order to ensure effective control and responsible firearm and ammunition ownership.
All applications for the renewal of a licence or permit to possess a firearm are subject to the provision that the applicant must be in possession of a valid and relevant competency certificate.
Any person who wishes to renew his / her licence to possess a firearm, to deal in firearms, to manufacture firearms or to 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 as well as a renewal of the relevant competency certificate.
Furthermore, the SAPS, in the name of quality service delivery and to avoid problems for new applicants, advises applicants to 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.
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.
