Gun owners in South Africa – if your Competency Certificate has expired then you have until Sun 10 April 2011 to renew it

The deadline for the renewal of Competency Certificates that expired on or before 10 January 2011 is set for 10 April 2011. 
Midnight on Sunday 10 April 2011 is the deadline for every gunowner whose competency certificate ‘expired’ on or before 10 January 2011 to apply to renew it, or face severe penalties. 
If that applies to you, then complete the ‘SAPS 517(g)’ form and hand it in to your local Firearms Control Officer asap: http://www.saga.org.za/SAPS%20517g.pdf

Prior to the promulgation (Govt Gazette 33871 of 17 December 2010) of “Certain Provisions of the Firearms Control Amendment Act, 2006 (Act No 26 of 2006)” there wasn’t proper provision for the renewal of competencies.

This much under-publicized fact affects many firearm owners and in an effort to keep gun owners informed, South African Gunowners Association (SAGA) has placed an advert in the Sunday Times which I scanned in:


Pasted below and also available here: http://www.gunsite.co.za/forums/showthread.php?13455-SAGA-Warning-on-Competency-Certificates

TOP SECRET POLICE DEADLINE
This URGENT NEWS could have escaped the attention of gunowners who neglected to spend their December/January holidays reading through government gazettes and searching the papers for ministerial edicts.  The urgent news is that your failure to renew ‘expired’ competency certificates could gravely endanger lives – the lives of your precious, hard-won firearm licences.
NOTE: The police’s own (penalty-free?) neglect to quickly publicize the facts and to spur firearm licence-holders into timely action probably promotes this new development to the rank of one of the SAPS’ ‘best kept secrets’.

IF YOU OWN A GUN, READ THIS WITHOUT DELAY
Upright citizens who own one or more firearms usually try to comply with the laws of the land - provided they know what is expected of them, and provided what is expected of them is fair, reasonable and (hopefully) practical.

BE WARNED - ACT NOW!
The much under-publicized, but newsworthy, fact is that midnight on Sunday 10 April 2011 is the deadline set by the Minister of Police for every gunowner - whose competency certificate ‘expired’ on or before 10 January 2011 - to apply to renew it.  He also warned that the penalties for failure to comply would be severe, so
* Despite the short notice;
* Despite the virtual silence of the SAPS on the subject;
* Regardless of when (if ever) the validity of your firearm licence ‘expires’;
* Despite the chaos that already exists within the Central Firearms Registry; and
* Thankless though the task may be;

It is in your own best interests to check your competency certificates NOW and apply to renew them if they (unlike your real competence) have expired.

If you are among the many thousands who could be affected by this Notice, complete the (brand-new) form SAPS 517(g) and hand it in to your local Firearms Control Officer asap. Keep a copy, get a receipt, etc etc in case you need evidence of your innocence. (The seven page application/declaration form should be available from police stations - if they have run out of stock, you can download and print it out from the link on SAGA’s website www.saga.org.za)  http://www.saga.org.za/SAPS%20517g.pdf
The SAPS has promised that the position of those firearm owners who have already applied by using the now outdated form SAPS 517 (i.e. without that important little ‘g’) will not be prejudiced and these people need not repeat the exercise using an SAPS 517(g).  Prior to the promulgation (Govt Gazette 33871 of 17 December 2010) of “Certain Provisions of the Firearms Control Amendment Act, 2006 (Act No 26 of 2006)” there wasn’t proper provision for the renewal of competencies.

This IMPORTANT NOTICE is issued in the public interest by the SA Gunowners' Association (A non party-political, non-profit association of concerned citizens) PO Box 35203, Northway, 4065 * Fax 086-553-9615
Website: www.saga.org.za
Email: saga@saga.org.za

Gun owners: what happened on 11 April 2010 and how does it affect you?

From www.CapeTalk.co.za:
ILLEGAL GUN OWNERS - WHO FITS THE BILL?
For clarity's sake, licensed firearm owners had between 2005 and 2009 to renew their existing firearm licences.  That period has come and gone and now more renewals will be contemplated.  However, due to a court case pending, older licences are deemed to be valid at this moment and as yet, those who did not renew, are not yet considered illegal firearm owners.

The latest gun amnesty period that ended on Sunday (11 April 2010) was aimed at those who were in possession of illegally obtained firearms, for them to hand them in voluntarily without fear of prosecution UNLESS the gun was used in a crime.

If you do know of anyone who is in possession of a firearm illegally, you are urged to send an anonymous, detailed SMS to Crimeline on 32211.

Brigadier Phuti Setati SAPS Spokesperson:  See here for a PodCast [2.3MB]: http://www.capetalk.co.za/pages/shows/aden.asp

Martin Hood from SA Gun Owners Association: See here for a PodCast [1.5MB]: http://www.capetalk.co.za/pages/shows/aden.asp

Email me if you cannot find the PodCast


For more details go to Gunformation Forum: http://www.gunformation.co.za/viewtopic.php?p=2839

Firearm license renewal... if you're born from 1Oct to 31Dec, then you have until 31Mar 2009 - here's a summary of what you need to do....

Here are some step-by-step explanations for the various options as well as some answers to FAQs.: I) keep it and license it; II) dispose of it at SAPS; III) dispose of it by selling it.

If you were thinking, "What about me - I was born in the period 1Jan to 30Sept - when can make my firearm legal??" - well, it seems that you've missed the boat! You've had from 1Jan 2005 to 31Mar 2008 to process your firearm license! If you have a good reason, then head over to the local DFO (Designated Firearms Officer) now and plead your case!

If you decide not to renew your current license (or have missed the deadline), then it will remain valid until the 30 June 2009. It is recommended that you should sell or ‘hand in’ either to a licensed firearm dealer or the police station in your area, before that date.

For those that this article is aimed at: South Africans born from 1Oct to 31Dec, here are your options and other info:

{
Captain John Newman (captainnewman@yahoo.com) is acknowledged with all the information that I have summarised below - I recommend that you refer to his full document after you've understood the summary below: LegalTest117705.pdf)
}


I) Keep it and license it: Steps to renew your license:
1a) Call at an ‘Accredited Service Provider’ (eg: Malakai Firearm Training) for assessment of your knowledge of the Legal requirements, as defined in the Act 60 of 2000, as specified for SASSETA under the ‘Unit Standard’ 117705. This is encompassed in the International Training Academy “Legal Test” manual, or the Afrikaans version named “Toets op die Wet van Vuurwapenbeheer”. Then “the new firearm applicant” will move on to the Practical components required, such as the Unit Standard 119649: ”Handle and use of handgun”. For more details refer to the detailed explanation (click here to download: LegalTest117705.pdf) as written by Captain John Newman email:captainnewman@yahoo.com from Malakai Firearm Training).
1b) Purchase the manual to obtain your 'K' number - found on the front page - that will be used on all application forms and certificates.

2) Page to the centre core of the manual between pages 13 and 14 and remove this inclusive and pull out from the staples. The ‘Questionnaire’ consists of 55 questions to be filled in - each with a page reference to the answers. Now find each answer and fill them in and prepare for the closed book examination.
3) Make a booking for the examination at an Assessment Centre.
4) Take the test and get a Temporary Certificate which is stamped and signed as confirmation for the Police. Fill in your details for the ‘Registration of Learner on Firearms Skills Programme’ …. FCA 01 & 02. You will also need to sign in the ‘Assessment Register’.
5) Have 5 (five) photocopies made of your official ID book certified (at the local police station).
6) Take the 5 copies of your ID book, and your Temporary Certificate to the local DFO (Designated Firearms Officer). After showing your certificate to the DFO, you can then request your ‘Folder of Forms’.
This folder will contain:
i) your Competency Certificate (517);
ii) the Renewal application form (517e);
iii) 2 x fingerprint forms (91A) (fill in your details before the fingerprints are done at a Police Station); Note: the address field (after place of birth) is meant for your current address and not the address where you were born. Sign in the box at the right side of the form. Do not bend these two forms, as they are ‘folded’ in a specific way by the Police during the fingerprint processing.
iv) 1 x Sworn affidavit (confirming completion of the Assessment, demonstrating knowledge of the act 60 of 2000);
v) 1 x (each firearm) Firearm Description form, Annexure A: inspect your firearm and list all the markings and engraved details such as maker/manufacturer, including the address ....every name or description on the barrel, handle or frame must be included on the form as required.
vi) 1 x Computer read out on list of Firearms, held by you (as held by Central Firearms Registry).
vii) 5x certified copies of you I.D: 4 (four) of these will be included with your submission of completed forms and 1 (one) must be given to the Assessment Centre where you received your certificate on completion of the Legal Test (this would be the moment when you would receive your official certificate).
7) You need to add the following to your 'Folder of Forms':
i) 4 x photographs, specifically sized “Firearm Licence” in colour. On each of the 4 photos write in ‘Black ink’ your full names and ID numbers at the back of each picture;
ii)1 x Reference List (3 persons who will vouch for you) detailing their full names, full addresses, ID numbers and a contactable telephone number that they can be reached at during office hours, so that the police may interview them telephonically (please advise them that they will be contacted in due course);
iii) 1 x Motivation letter (on the rear of the firearm description form),
8) Fill in the forms.
9) Create a motivation letter: there is a space of 4 lines for you to state your reasons for wanting to keep your firearm(s). This does not provide sufficient space to write a convincing motivation, which should be not less than 350 words (That is less than an A4 page with large header and footer margins). Refer to Captain John Newman's article for a sample letter.
10) Use a paperclip (no staples anywhere!) to attach two photos to the form (as indicated).
11) Make your submission at the DFO: take your official ID book, all firearm licences, 'folder of forms' and money for payments: R70 for Competency and R70 for each and every firearm licence to be renewed.

II) Dispose of it at SAPS: Steps to hand in your firearms to SAPS:
Voluntary handing in of firearms to the South African Police Service can be done as follows:
1) Take the following with you to the relevant Designated Firearms Officer or designated member at the police station:
- Your original official identity document
- Your original firearms license, permit or authorisation for the firearm that will be handed to the SAPS
- The applicable firearm and/or ammunition that will be handed to the SAPS
2) You will be required to complete the relevant sections of the SAPS 522(a) - Surrendering of firearm item form.
3) The Designated Firearms Officer or a designated member at the police station will take possession of the firearm and/or ammunition and the relevant license, permit or authorisation.
4) Ensure that you receive an acknowledgement of receipt as proof that the firearm and/or ammunition and the relevant license, permit or authorisation have been handed to the SAPS.
5) The firearm will be deregistered from the SAPS Firearms Register System.
6) The firearm will be destroyed by the SAPS.

No cost is incurred by a person who voluntarily hands in a firearm and/or ammunition to the SAPS for destruction. Any person who destroys or alters a firearm will be committing an offence and may be criminally charged.


III) Dispose of it by selling it: Unwanted Firearms:
Any person who no longer wishes to possess any licensed firearm may dispose of it in any one of the following ways:
1) Sell the firearm to a licensed dealer.
2) Sell the firearm to another person who must successfully obtain a license to possess the particular firearm.
3) Have the firearm deactivated by a licensed gunsmith after approval has been received from the SAPS.
4) Hand the firearm to the SAPS for destruction.
5) Have the firearm permanently exported.
6) Sell the firearm to an accredited business.

Sample letters:
1) Reference Providers Letter:
See here sample letter: LegalTest117705.pdf

2) Motivation Letter:
See here sample letter: LegalTest117705.pdf

FAQ’s as listed and answered by Captain John Newman:

Q) Do I have to do a ‘Legal Test’ for each type of Firearm I own?
A) See here for the answer: LegalTest117705.pdf

Q) What if I am late with my submission for renewal, two years or so?
A) See here for the answer: LegalTest117705.pdf

Q) If I decide ‘not to renew my firearm licence’ will my firearm be illegal?
A) See here for the answer: LegalTest117705.pdf

Q) My wife is also a licensed firearm owner; can she use the same manual once I have completed my requirements?
A) See here for the answer: LegalTest117705.pdf

Q) Question 8 of the manual shows a picture of an individual who appears to have a fully automatic rifle - is this correct?
A) See here for the answer: LegalTest117705.pdf

Q) I can’t find the answer I need in the relevant Chapter, how should I answer this question?
A) See here for the answer: LegalTest117705.pdf

Q) I would like to keep my rifle for display, without having to renew my licence, can I weld up the breech and barrel to de-activate it?
A) See here for the answer: LegalTest117705.pdf

Q) OK then, I will just go to the beach and throw it away in the sea!
A) See here for the answer: LegalTest117705.pdf

Q) Where can I surrender my unwanted firearm other than the Police Station?
A) See here for the answer: LegalTest117705.pdf

Q) What if I have more than one firearm, will I have to hand the others to the Police for destruction?A) See here for the answer: LegalTest117705.pdf

Q) This procedure is too involved and I would rather ‘hand in’ my firearm, its less trouble!
A) See here for the answer: LegalTest117705.pdf