SAPS/CFR
DOWNLOAD PDFSAPS Directive :- Application Proccess For Firearms With Expired Licences
Attached for your information you will find a directive issued by SAPS, which is certainly good news for firearm owners who’s licences have expired.
In brief:
- You are able to re-apply for your firearm as per the attached guidelines – DFOs are directed to accept such applications.
- The application process is similar to when applying for a new firearm licence – not a renewal application.
- Applicants will have to physically present the firearm, together with copies of the expired licence, to the DFO for inspection and validation.
- A verification certificate is required to be signed by both the DFO and applicant once the validation process is complete.
- You do not need to hand your firearm in to SAPS while your application is being processed.
With kind regards,
Chris Jennings
CEO.
CHASA/Martin Hood Offer of Legal Representation
Letter Offering Assistance With Legal Representation From CHASA And Martin Hood
Read MoreCFR/SAGA
THE SAGA TRUST: NOTICE 08 MARCH 2023
Dear Member
The South African Gunowners’ Association (SAGA) is a proud advocate of the responsible and lawful ownership and use of firearms by South African citizens. As an organization, we believe that firearms serve as a crucial tool for personal protection, hunting, sport and recreation.
We note in recent news that there is the possibility of a class action lawsuit being launched against the Police Minister on behalf of families of those murdered with firearms smuggled by police members, as well as survivors of such crimes.
SAGA remains committed to working with government and law enforcement agencies to address issues related to illegal firearms, including those that may have been smuggled from the police to gangsters. We believe that responsible firearm ownership and management, coupled with effective law enforcement, are key to ensuring the safety and security of all South Africans.
SAGA extends a warm invitation to all South African citizens who embrace the principles of safe and responsible firearm ownership to join us in our efforts to protect and preserve our rights.
Issued by: The SAGA Trust
South African Gunowners’ Association (SAGA)
Office Tel: 031-562-9951 Fax: 086-553-9615
Email: saga@saga.org.za Website: www.saga.org.za
PO Box 35203, Northway, 4065
SAGA TRUST STATEMENT – 21 February 2023
Solving our Crime and Violence Problem
South Africa is in the midst of a violent crime crisis. The latest crime statistics puts us on track for over 30 000 murders per annum, and a rate of 50 homicides per 100 000 population. Which makes us the most homicidal nation on earth.
The total failure of policing and the criminal justice system is to blame for this state of affairs. The rot first became apparent after the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and by October 2018 National Commissioner Khehla Sitole told parliament that the national crime prevention strategy had “collapsed” and it is “impossible” for the SAPS to fulfil its constitutional mandate.
This state failure created a colossal security vacuum, and criminals readily exploited it. As a result South Africa now has among the highest levels of organised crime in the world. And our rapidly rising violent crime rates flow directly from it.
Construction and taxi mafias, gangs and illegal miners (Zama Zamas) are well-established and prolific. They are well-resourced, have captured certain police stations and parts of state security organs, and readily use violence. All of the recent tavern massacres are directly associated with organised crime groups carrying out mafia-style attacks. As are gang hits, taxi route warfare, and other types of so-called “mass shootings”.
The SAPS not only appear entirely powerless to stop them, but alarmingly are themselves actively targeted and attacked in their police stations by criminals raiding for guns and ammunition.
To further exacerbate matters, in many cases corrupt police officers are working directly with the syndicates and supply them with arms. As per Mark Shaw’s book Give us More Guns, corrupt cops literally flooded the gangs with guns stolen out of SAP13 evidence stores and armouries. A practice that continues to this day.
Our security crisis is well-defined, but there is little meaningful action from the state in taking on the syndicates. Dear Member
Instead, special interest groups and government officials have disingenuously used violent incidents to call for stricter gun control legislation and civilian disarmament. South Africa, which has a civilian rate of firearm ownership of a mere 9.8 guns per 100 people (which is less than half that of Germany, and less than a third that of Austria and Canada) is allegedly suffering from a “proliferation” of guns. A patently and demonstrably false claim.
Civilian-held firearms are not the problem – and the solution does not lie in further regulation or restrictions.
We know, as is supported by independent research from the Wits School of Governance (commissioned by the Civilian Secretariat for Police in 2014), that firearm control legislation has no meaningful impact – if any at all – on crime and violence. Instead the level and strength of policing is the key determining factor that directly influences our murder and violent crime trends.
Both Dr. Johan Burger and David Bruce from the Institute of Security Studies in their various writings indicate agreement with this conclusion. As do numerous other security consultants and experts.
Pathetically low conviction rates – 15% for murder, 9% for rape, and less than 3% for trio crimes – mean that violence is cheap. There are zero meaningful consequences for criminals using extreme violence to get what they want. Combine this with the high level of dysfunction of the SAPS and crime intelligence, and you have a recipe for disaster.
We must place our focus on addressing and solving the very obvious and agreed-upon problem: our corrupt, criminally-infiltrated, and broken police and criminal justice system. Astoundingly, in defiance of all available evidence and common sense, we are still entertaining public discussions about civilian disarmament.
This discussion is wholly non-sensical and a waste of time.
We need a solutions-driven approach to fix policing and criminal justice. This is a serious and monumental task. And it will require the whole of civil society’s involvement to get it right. Unless we begin this task as a matter of grave urgency, our crime and violence problem will continue worsening beyond the current astronomical level.
Demanding we ban ordinary law-abiding people from defending themselves and their families with firearms in what is due to be the most homicidal and dangerous country on earth is not the solution. It is, instead, complete insanity.
Issued by: The SAGA Trust
031 562 9951
SAGA Press Release: 14 February 2023
Dear Member,
SAGA Chair, Damian Enslin, was interviewed live on Newzroom Afrika yesterday evening and has issued a press release today. Below is a link to the interview and underneath that is the press release.
SAGA is fighting for your firearm rights. Ensure your membership is up to date and encourage other firearm owners to join SAGA.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVikspN9x9U
SAGA Press Release: 14 February 2023
LAW-ABIDING GUN OWNERS STAND UP AGAINST MISLEADING BLAME IN SA’S FIGHT AGAINST VIOLENCE
With heavy hearts, the South African Gunowners’ Association (the SAGA Trust) extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Kiernan “AKA” Forbes, who was tragically taken from us in Durban last week.
We acknowledge the reality of the high crime rate and violence in South Africa, but we reject the false narrative that guns are the root cause of the problem. According to a recent study by the Research platform Wisevoter, only 4.87 deaths per 100,000 people in South Africa were caused by firearms, while 16.95 were caused by stabbings. With a population of 60.6 million, this equates to tens of thousands of South Africans being affected by violence that has nothing to do with firearms.
We take issue with the misleading information being spread by organizations like Gunfree South Africa and the recent statement by Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, who calls for stronger gun laws as the solution to violence. The proper use, ownership, and training in firearms can lead to a safer society, which more restrictions on law-abiding citizens cannot do.
To truly combat the high crime rate in South Africa, we need a multi-faceted approach. This includes effective policing, better leadership, neighbourhood watches, and a focus on education and rehabilitation programs to address the root causes of violence. The South African National Police Service (SAPS) has long struggled to fulfil its mandate of combating and investigating crime, and its recent restructuring has only further handicapped its ability to serve and protect the public.
It’s clear that poor leadership is the real issue at hand, as demonstrated by the recent riots in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng that resulted in the death of 337 people and widespread destruction, while the police seemed unable or unwilling to intervene.
The SAGA Trust believes in the importance of advocating for the proper use, ownership, and training in firearms as a means of promoting safety and security in South Africa. We cannot allow false information and political agendas to dictate the conversation on violence and crime in our communities.
In light of these recent events, we call on the government to prioritize addressing the root causes of the high crime rate in South Africa, including the ineffective and under-resourced policing. It’s time for a comprehensive approach to reducing violence in South Africa, and this starts with acknowledging the real issues and working together to find effective solutions.
Issued by: The SAGA Trust
031 562 9951
SAGA Release – Amnesty IBIS Testing Delay Notice
Dear Member,
The IBIS testing on some firearms that were handed in under the amnesty cannot be completed because these firearms were made inoperable by their owners prior to handing them in. This is now causing a delay in the evaluation of the new licence applications for these firearms as the IBIS testing has to be completed first.
If you handed in a firearm under the amnesty that you made inoperable prior to handing in by taking out the firing pin or bolt action, then you are requested to please take these parts to your DFO. I
Issued By: THE SAGA TRUST
saga@saga.org.za
031 562 9951
SAPS Directive :- Application Proccess For Firearms With Expired Licences
Attached for your information you will find a directive issued by SAPS, which is certainly good news for firearm owners who’s licences have expired.
In brief:
- You are able to re-apply for your firearm as per the attached guidelines – DFOs are directed to accept such applications.
- The application process is similar to when applying for a new firearm licence – not a renewal application.
- Applicants will have to physically present the firearm, together with copies of the expired licence, to the DFO for inspection and validation.
- A verification certificate is required to be signed by both the DFO and applicant once the validation process is complete.
- You do not need to hand your firearm in to SAPS while your application is being processed.
With kind regards,
Chris Jennings
CEO.
Expired Licences ConCourt Decision – 27 May 2022
Dear Member,
We are pleased to advise that Fidelity ADT, Martin Hood and his legal team were successful in their bid in the Constitutional Court.
The Minister of Police’s appeal was dismissed with costs, and the judgment was thus granted in favour of Fidelity ADT.
Please see the attached judgement as received.
In essence however, those persons who are in possession of firearms with expired licences will now be able to apply for a new licence for the firearm.
We are currently studying the judgment and will in due course send out further guidance on the judgment and its implications.
Issued by: The SAGA Trust
South African Gunowners’ Association – Response To Claims By Jeremy Vearey
In an interview on 17 May 2022 on the radio station CAPE TALK, recently retired police general Jeremy Vearey, stated inter alia that guns in criminal hands originate from private owners. Not only is this statement the hackneyed nonsense we have come to expect from Gun Free South Africa – whom he now represents – but it is also dangerously untrue.
Had he done any research before shooting (intended pun) off his mouth, Vearey would have found that the origin of illegally held firearms in South Africa is to a very limited reason attributable to private citizens who have been victims of crime. By and far the biggest source of illegally held firearms in SA is from the South African Police Service, the South African National Defence Force as well as from outside sources such as Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Mozambique.
It boggles the mind that a former senior police officer can make such a statement. One wonders what Vearey did about this matter – if anything – while he was still serving and had the authority, as well as the responsibility, to act to safeguard the citizens of South Africa. Clearly he failed in executing his Constitutional duty to “prevent, combat and investigate crime, to maintain public order, (to) protect and secure the inhabitants of the Republic and their property and to uphold and enforce the law – (sec 205(3) of the Constitution).
How he can now blame his own failure on law abiding citizens, who are the victims of crimes he was sworn to protect, is beyond belief. He either simply accepted the situation or was incompetent, which is exactly proved by what he said. His association therefore with Gun Free South Africa is not surprising.
Issued by THE SAGA TRUST
South African Gunowners’ Association (SAGA)
Office Tel: 031-562-9724 Fax: 086-553-9615
Email: saga@saga.org.za Website: www.saga.org.za
PO Box 35203, Northway, 4065
SAGA Update: Bilateral Meetings with Civilian Secretariat for Police: 23 March 2022
Read MoreSAGA Release – 20 January 2022
Dear Member
SAGA CALLS FOR MEETINGS WITH THE NATIONAL COMMISIONER AND MINISTER OF POLICE
Following months of public outrage over Norwood police station’s SAPS 13 store, a probe into this station has revealed the theft of 158 firearms. Three senior police officers have also been implicated. Last year a robbery led to a police officer being killed, and it was found that the firearms used came from the Norwood police station SAPS 13 store.
SAGA has previously raised concerns about the security of firearms kept by SAPS as this is not the first time that this has occurred.
“SAPS has a track record of negligence with the storage of firearms and with firearms disappearing out of their SAPS 13 stores. SAPS also reports that, on average, around 700 official SAPS firearms are lost and/or stolen every year. SAGA believes that SAPS may understate the numbers of lost and/or stolen firearms,” said SAGA Chairperson Damian Enslin on Tuesday.
For these reasons SAGA will be writing to the Minister and National Commissioner to call for a meeting whereby we can discuss these issues and come up with a solution to this problem.
Issued by THE SAGA TRUST
Kind Regards
Gaye Marshall Goodridge / Peter Goodridge
South African Gunowners’ Association (SAGA)
Office Tel: 031-562-9724 Fax: 086-553-9615
Email: saga@saga.org.za Website: www.saga.org.za
PO Box 35203, Northway, 4065
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SAGA Release – Firearms Control Amendment Bill, 2021
Firearms Control Amendment Bill, 2021
SAGA Reaction to the Briefing by the South African Police Service to the Portfolio Committee on Police regarding Legislation Progress Report
26 November 2021
SAGA has received a copy of a PowerPoint presentation by the South African Police Service in which progress has been reported to the Portfolio Committee on Police (“PCoP”) on nine bills including the proposed Firearms Control Amendment Bill, 2021 (“FCA Bill”).
According to the presentation more than 118 000 public comments were received on the FCA Bill.
The presentation stated that the Drafting Team conducted several work sessions where comments that were considered practical were incorporated in the Bill. SAGA disputes this as no consultation was held with SAGA, nor other firearm organisations and stakeholders, until the Civilian Secretariat for Police (“CSOP”) convened a webinar for 11 and 12 November, which was ultimately postponed.
Despite the presentation to the PCoP stating that substantive requests for information in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act were received and had been attended to, several requests in this regard by SAGA have been ignored.
The report states further that the Chief State Law Adviser has requested a legal opinion on the constitutionality of the deletion of sections 13, 14, 17 and 18 of the Principal Act and that a response is awaited.
It however appears that the FCA Bill has been postponed and that the Bill in its current format will more than likely be redrafted.
SAGA will keep its members informed of any developments but according to press reports, it seems that the PCoP has decided to provisionally cease further discussions on the Bill.
Issued by THE SAGA TRUST
South African Gunowners’ Association (SAGA)
Office Tel: 031-562-9724 Fax: 086-553-9615
Email: saga@saga.org.za Website: www.saga.org.za
PO Box 35203, Northway, 4065
Saga Release – Government To Remove The Mandate From The PFTC For Firearm Competency Training Certification
GOVERNMENT TO REMOVE THE MANDATE FROM THE PFTC FOR FIREARM COMPETENCY TRAINING CERTIFICATION
11 October 2021
Government via the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) has informed the South African Professional Firearm Trainers Council (“the PFTC”) that its mandate to accredit and deal with the certification of firearm training academies and firearm training has been terminated and that the SASSETA shall take this over.
A decision has been made by the QCTO that they will no longer work with the PFTC nor any other professional body.
Therefore, they have decided to cancel the mandate of the PFTC and revert back to SASSETA who had previously held this mandate.
“SAGA finds it ludicrous that where there is an efficient private system in place, such as the PFTC, that government wants to replace this body. The PFTC was established in order take over from the previous SASSETA, as it was mismanaged and in utter shambles.
This is an obvious attack by government against the firearm industry and the rights of law-abiding citizens who choose to own firearms for lawful purposes, and SAGA suspects that this illegal decision has been made due to the backlash that government suffered in the FCA Bill debacle.
The entire process is flawed and without proper consultation, and government is once more not acting within the constitution. We call on all citizens to oppose this action on the part of government.” said Damian Enslin, SAGA Chairperson, on Friday 8th October 2021.
SAGA has every intention of supporting the PFTC in this matter – we cannot afford to go back to the shambles that was SASSETA.
An urgent application has been served and the matter will be heard in the Gauteng High Court on 26 October 2021.
Help oppose this action by keeping your membership of SAGA up to date and encourage other firearm owners and interested parties to join SAGA. Members will be updated on the situation in due course.
Issued by: The SAGA Trust
South African Gunowners’ Association (SAGA)
Office Tel: 031-562-9724 Fax: 086-553-9615
Email: saga@saga.org.za Website: www.saga.org.za
PO Box 35203, Northway, 4065
Saga update on meeting with brigadier Mabule from the CFR
SAGA Update on Meeting with Brigadier Mabula from the CFR
06 October 2021
Dear Member
Last week SAGA President Adv John Welch and SAGA Trustee Stef Grobler met with Brigadier Mabula of the CFR and his office manager, Lt Col. Chiloane, in order to discuss the serious service delivery delay issues at the CFR.
Although the meeting was a positive one, there was no real plan of action available from the Brigadier; he was mainly concerned about DFO and provincial issues, as well as about applicants who are allegedly not completing their applications correctly.
“It is disappointing that the Brigadier doesn’t have any real plan of action to deal with the application delays. Should Brigadier Mabula fail to address the issues raised, we will have no choice but to continue with the class action.” said Damian Enslin, SAGA Chairman on Tuesday 5 October 2021.
In a final effort, SAGA will therefore be addressing Brigadier Mabula on the issue that there is to date no plan of action, failing which the only alternative will be litigation against CFR and SAPS.
If any member who has not yet provided their service delivery delay information via our Form, and still wishes to do so, please use the link below to send SAGA the details:
https://forms.gle/9MqptoAeEmJwBf2L7
As always, we will keep our members up to date with the firearms fight.
Issued by THE SAGA TRUST
Kind Regards
Gaye Marshall Goodridge
SAGA Snippets May 2021
As you already know, the Draft Firearms Control Amendment Bill has now been published and public comments can be submitted. SAGA representatives are busy analysing the Draft Bill and working on our submission. We will also be providing members with some guidelines for making their own personal submissions.
SAGA Release – CFR Visit 17 May 2021
Dear SAGA Member
SAGA Release: Chaos and Disorder at the Central Firearms Registry
17 May 2021
Some members of the Portfolio Committee on Police (PCoP) from Parliament recently did an inspection at the Central Firearms Registry (CFR).
The inspection brought to light once more, the chaos and disorder to be found at CFR with many hundreds, if not thousands, of files being packed metres high along most of the corridors and work spaces It’s no wonder that files often go missing, or documents are mislaid, and that applications are not being processed within a reasonable time frame.
SAGA members have been struggling for many months to obtain feedback on the progress – or lack of progress – with competency and licence applications, and SAGA’s offices have been receiving complaints from members about SAPS poor service delivery on a daily basis.
SAGA’s offices have regularly had to address CFR and the commanding officer of CFR, Brigadier Mabule, on the failure on the part of CFR to process members’ applications within a reasonable time frame. This is the worst service levels that our members have seen for many years and the vast majority of complaints are not being responded to.
There appears to be a complete lack of commitment on the behalf of SAPS and CFR to deliver a satisfactory service to the general public and SAGA is contemplating a class action in the High Court against CFR and SAPS to force them to process applications within a reasonable time period, which applications should be processed within 90 days (three months), as prescribed by the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act 3 of 2000 (PAJA).
In SAGA’s view, SAPS are currently unable to deal with the administration of competency and firearm licence applications in an effective manner, and SAPS have also failed to ensure that there are adequate personnel and resources to deal with such applications on a timeous basis.
Should any SAGA member experience poor service delivery with respect to their competency and/or licence application, which delays are unreasonable, or any other related issue, please email the SAGA head office on saga@saga.org.za.
SAGA believes in the right of law-abiding and responsible citizens to choose to own and use firearms for sport, self-defence, recreation and other legitimate purposes.
Green Licence Issue – 19th April 2021
In previous newsletters, we indicated that SA Hunters were in talks with the State Attorney concerning the “Green Licence” issue, and the original June 2009 Interim Interdict of Judge Prinsloo.
When we refer to the “Green Licence” issue, this is with respect to those persons who only possess the “Green” or old licences in terms of the Arms and Ammunition Act, No. 75 f 1969, and not those persons who transitioned to the current Firearms Control Act (FCA), No 60 of 2000, and whose white licences may have expired, and who may still be in physical possession of their old green licences as well.
Those persons who transitioned from “green” to white cards, only fall within the new FCA and for those who may be in possession of an expired licence are possibly in illegal possession, and their previous old ”green” licences would not come to their rescue.
The talks between SA Hunters and the State Attorney have stalled to a certain extent, in that the proposals from the State Attorney vis-a-vis, granting persons a period of six months within which to transition or convert. In SAGA’s opinion this period is unreasonable, having regard to the break down in administration by SAPS and, in SAGA’s view, the lack of capacity on the part of SAPS to process anywhere from 400 000 upwards of applications for those who will need to transition.
SAGA is therefore contemplating joining the case either as a co-applicant or amicus curiae, and in this regard SAGA calls on all its members who are only in possession of green licences, to email the SAGA office on saga@saga.org.za as we may need corroborating affidavits / supporting evidence from members who hold green licence cards. Please supply the office with your name and contact cellphone number.
We look forward to hearing from those members who are only in possession of the green licence cards at their earliest convenience.
SAGA Snippets November 2020
In June 2009 the SA Hunters and Game Conservation Association (SAH) was granted a temporary interdict in terms of which all licenses issued under the former Arms and Ammunition Act (the so- called green licenses), remained valid until the main application was adjudicated.
SAPS Notice – Firearm Amnesty
The Minister of Police has declared a firearm amnesty period of six (6) months commencing on 01 August 2020 to 31 January 2021, through the publication of a notice in the Government Gazette. The amnesty period creates an opportunity for members of the public to surrender unwanted firearms or firearms they possess illegally, as well as ammunition and/or firearm parts to the South African Police Service without fear of being prosecuted for the unlawful possession of this equipment.
SAGA Snippets – October 2020
If you say “personal defense” to most people, I expect they would immediately start thinking about guns. I like guns and have made my living for my entire adult life with guns, one way or another. But let me suggest a few things, in no particular order, that might be just as important as guns for personal defense.
SAGA Release – SafeCitizen Campaign
South Africans share a common concern around community safety, and we all feel threatened by increasing violent crime in which we and our loved-ones, neighbours and community are the targeted victims.
DOWNLOAD PDF
Saga Trust Release – Protest Action
The events, last week, in the Free State town of Senekal, has, once again, drawn our attention to the importance of our constitutional rights and to do what is right within our constitutional dispensation. SAGA unequivocally advocates the right of free, responsible and law-abiding citizens to keep, bear and lawfully use firearms. Law-abiding citizens do what is right in accordance with the Constitution and the law. Despite having previously alluded to various constitutional rights and freedoms, let me remind members of those relevant to public protests. Our Constitution provides that:
Draft Firearm Report
Most of us are aware that the GOSA interim interdict was dismissed for reasons that are not relevant to this report.
SAGA Snippets August 2020 – Amnesty Guidelines
COMPETENCY RENEWALS AND NEW FIREARM LICENCE APPLICATIONS IN TERMS OF THE FIREARM AMNESTY 2020 – 1st August 2020 to 31st January 2021: A GUIDELINE The following information serves as a guideline of what you ought to take with you and what you should expect when attending at your relevant SAPS station.
SAGA-Snippets-July2020
SAGA’s evaluation of the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) judgment of the 23rd July 2020 By Advocate John Welch
SAGA members are now aware that the appeal by the National Commissioner and the Minister of Police against the interim interdict granted to Gun Owners of South Africa (GOSA) by judge Prinsloo in the Gauteng High Court (Pretoria) on 27 July 2018, was upheld by the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) on 23 July 2020, and the interdict was accordingly set aside.
SAGA Snippets May 2020
SAGA has communicated a number of times with the Minister of Police about a possible extension to the firearm amnesty which is due to end on 31 May. The Corona virus lockdown has affected those wishing to take part in the amnesty.
SAGA Snippets April 2020
Talk to us about firearms, the effective use thereof for lawful purposes and firearm rights, and we are in our element. However, all of a sudden SAGA finds itself treading foreign territory, one where an invisible enemy causes consternation and havoc. At midnight on the 26th of March 2020 all citizens were suddenly under house arrest, not because of their mischief, but because a virus that came from abroad decided to make life miserable for us all.
Chasa Member Advice For Renewal Of Firearm Licences During Lockdown
Dear CHASA Members
Two days prior to the commencement of the national Covid19 lockdown the CHASA CEO addressed a letter to the head of the Central Firearm Registry, Brig Mabule, requesting guidance for our members relating specifically to renewing of lapsing firearm licences during the lockdown period.
SAGA TRUST RELEASE – Portfolio Committee Meeting
SAGA RELEASE – Portfolio Committee Meeting
Issued: 13 SEPTEMBER 2019
On Wednesday, 11th September 2019, SAGA Trustee Damian Enslin, and GOSA representatives, Paul Oxley, Tim Flack, Themba Kubheka and Maryna Micklem, and firearm activist Ludwig Churr, attended on the Portfolio Committee on Police (PCoP) meeting at Parliament, as a number of firearm related issues were being dealt with by the recently formed committee.
The main issues on the agenda at the PCoP were:
1.Auditor General’s report concerning SAPS financial issues.
2.The Civilian Secretariat’s presentation on upcoming legislation.
3.The SAPS presentation on the Firearms Amnesty 2019.
4.PSIRA presentation on the proposed PSIRA regulations.
With regards to the Auditor General’s financial report there is no need to report on this, as the presentation was not relevant to firearm issues.
The Civilian Secretariat’s presentation dealt with a number of forthcoming bills including the Firearms Control Amendment Bill. The presenter indicated that this bill would more than likely be publicised in the fourth quarter, which will be during January, February or March 2020.
Proposed Firearm Amnesty 2019
The Minister of Police signed a notice on the 15th August 2019 declaring an amnesty in terms of Section 139 of the Firearms Control Act wherein he had indicated that there would be a firearm amnesty from 1st October 2019 to 31st March 2020.
After SAPS presented the proposed Amnesty for 2019 to the PCoP, Dr Pieter Groenewald of the FF Plus pointed out to SAPS that the presentation was defective in a number of respects. The presentation referred to addressing the Committee on Security and Justice, whereas it should have referred to the PCoP; that it referred to a 2018 amnesty, and more critically, that the draft Notice for the proposed amnesty was not before the PCoP.
The committee members took a vote and they voted unanimously not to deal with the firearm amnesty.
PSIRA Presentation
After a very detailed PSIRA presentation, Mr A Whitfield and Mr O Terblanche of the DA, raised concerns about the duplication of the proposed new regulations with respect to the use of firearms by security officers. There was also concern about the definition of “semi-automatic” and although a PSIRA representative indicated that this would be amended to reflect semi-automatic rifles, again Mr Whitfield indicated that this did not make sense to him as criminals would be armed with fully automatic weapons, and taking away semi-automatic rifles would leave security companies with only semi-automatic pistols and revolvers.
The PSIRA representatives then indicated that this was just a proposed draft bill, that there would be further amendments to the bill and that the bill had not yet been publicised. Only when the bill is publicised would the actual final draft bill be presented to the PCoP.
To summarise the main issues from the meeting:
1.Although the amnesty has been delayed due to issues with the presentation as well as the draft notice not being presented to Parliament, there is the possibility of SAPS presenting the amnesty at a later date before the end of 2019.
2.A draft Firearms Control Amendment Bill could be publicised in January, February or March 2020. At that, stage there will be call for public comment.
3.The PSIRA legislation on firearms does not have a final bill and has not yet been publicised. Once it has been publicised there will be an opportunity for public input and comment and it will be brought before the PCoP.
The Committee also discussed the GOSA court case. Some committee members questioned whether there should indeed be a firearms amnesty or even a proposed Firearms Control Amendment Bill having regard to the fact that the GOSA court case had not been finalised.
A further development that arose during the meeting was an indication from the Chairperson of the PCoP, Ms Tina Joemat-Petterssen of the ANC, of the possibility of holding a firearms summit in the very near future with all stakeholders and organisations who have an interest in firearms.
With respect to expired firearm licences, we are still waiting on the GOSA court case, which together with the possible amnesty and FCA Amendment Bill publication, may have an impact on the expired firearm licence issue.
Finally, in terms of the GOSA interdict, if you are the holder of a firearm with an expired firearm licence, SAGA reiterates that there is nothing that you can or need to do, because you cannot be charged for being in possession of a firearm with an expired licence, nor can your firearm be seized.
We will keep SAGA members updated on these issues.
The SAGA Trust
P O Box 35203
Northway 4065
South Africa
SAGA MEDIA STATEMENT
John Welch
Police Minister Cele’s statement on 17April at the destruction of some 30 039 seized and surrendered firearms that “It would be better if one day we don’t have private citizens having guns at all. It’s a tall order going forward but it would be better if one day, only the armed forces namely police and soldiers having [access to] guns”, was nothing new, however, it illustrates how remote he is from reality. With the violent crime rate what it is, it is irrational and unreasonable to deny good law-abiding citizens’ the means to defend themselves and others against violent home and business invasions and attacks in general. Not only is his statement irrational, it also seriously interferes with citizens’ constitutional rights to life, bodily integrity and property. To have rights but without the means to enforce such rights is useless, bearing in mind that, when a violent attack is imminent, most people do not have body guards present to protect them, neither are police officers on the scene and you do not have the luxury to apply for an interdict. Ordinary people remain the first, and often only, responders to crime. And while we have so often stated that one should avoid crime hot-spots,thereby preventing crime, it is totally unreasonable to expect citizens not to enjoy life, travel around and generally carrying on with their lives.
Hunting, sport shooting and collecting of firearms and ammunition are internationally and nationally recognised activities in which free people participate. And while the greater majority of these people neither commit nor contribute to crime, their rights should not be interfered with.
The minister continued: “It’s important to say that we are looking at the next batch [to be destructed] and we are trying to squeeze in the time for that so that we don’t keep these guns in the crime market for very long,”. SAGA fully agrees that for the police to keep these seized and surrendered firearms constitutes a serious risk since these firearms may (will?) sooner or later find their way to criminals. It must be borne in mind, though, that all confiscated firearms need to be inspected by or on behalf of the South AfricanHeritage Resources Agency to ensure that no firearms of heritage value are destroyed.
The minister must concern himself and his police officials with their primary function – crime fighting, including removing illegally possessed firearms from society. When all crime is reduced to acceptable levels, many may stop carrying firearms for self-defence (and the minister would have achieved his goal) while hunters, sportsmen and collectors can continue to participate in their lawful activities without being concerned about irresponsible political threats. This is a win-win situation, excepting for criminals.
The SAGA Trust
P O Box 35203
Northway 4065
South Africa
No. 42284 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 6 MARCH 2019 Government notices
NOTICE IN TERMS OF SECTION 136 (1) OF THE FIREARMS CONTROL ACT, 2000 (ACT NO. 60 OF 2000) By virtue of the powers vested in me by section 136 (1) of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000), I Khehla John Sitole, National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, in my capacity as Registrar of Firearms as contemplated in section 123 of the said Act, hereby give notice that the State intends to destroy all firearms, ammunition as well as firearms parts, listed in the website below, that were voluntarily surrendered to or forfeited to the State.
Interested parties can visit the South African Police Service website at www.saps.gov.za , for a list of firearms, ammunition of firearm parts intended to be destroyed by the State.
In terms of section 136 (2) of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000), any person who has a valid claim to such firearm(s) or ammunition or such firearm part(s) may, within 21 days after the date of publication of this notice, make representations to me as to why such firearm(s) or ammunition or such firearm part(s) should not be destroyed. The representations must contain complete information of the firearm(s), ammunition or firearm part(s) and the police station where the firearm(s) ammunition and firearm part(s) were surrendered to or forfeited to the State.
By Post: The National Commissioner (Registrar) South African Police Service Private Bag x811 PRETORIA 0001
This gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za
4 No. 42284 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 6 MARCH 2019 Government notices • GoewermentskennisGewinGs Police, Department of/ Polisie, Departement van DEPARTMENT OF POLICE NO.
The SAGA Trust
P.O. Box 35203
Northway 4065
South Africa
New SAGA Facebook Page
Dear Members,
SAGA has a new Facebook presence. Please visit us at:
http://m1e.net/c?171497549-eoODyOF83mUYc%40392125397-6u06DTLg5YxXE
You might get a Friend request as we work to get the new page up and running. If you don’t please go online to Like our page and do a Friend request. The old page will be decommissioned soon.
Thank you for your support.
SAGA Update on Expired Licences
Dear Member,
On the 7th November 2018, GOSA released a media statement concerning their interim Order and Judgment obtained on the 27th July 2018, which Order was against the National Commissioner of Police and the Minister of Police.
SAGA had previously reported on the judgment from the 27th July 2018 in our SAGA news bulletins dated 29th July, 4th August and 10th September 2018 wherein we dealt with and reported on the written Judgment from the GOSA Court case.
It is not the intention of this release to discuss or deal with the GOSA media release from the 7th November 2018. We are aware that some parties have criticised the GOSA media release, but for the sake of clarity, and because we have received a number of queries from our members, we wish to advise as follows:
1. The Judgment obtained by GOSA on 27th July 2018 obtained interim relief against the SAPS in that SAPS were prohibited from implementing any plans of action, or from accepting any firearms for which the licence had expired at its police stations or any place, and SAPS were prohibited from demanding that such firearms be handed over to them for the sole reason that the licence of such firearm had expired.
2. The rest of the Judgment dealt with further relief that GOSA had applied for, but it was clearly indicated that the rest of the relief would be dealt with in the main application, once the main application had been set down for trial.
To be clear, we wish to advise that the Judgment from the 27th July 2018, does not allow or provide for any further relief. Thus, SAGA members or any person for that matter, who is in possession of a firearm with an expired licence, may still not renew the licence at their police station and they cannot apply for a licence for such firearm yet.
Therefore at this point, there is no possibility of SAPS accepting any applications for late renewal of a firearm licence after it has expired, nor will SAPS even process such applications.
As soon as we have been made aware of the trial date for the main application, we will advise our members.
We will also be publishing another newsletter concerning the private bill of Dr. Pieter Groenewald of the Freedom Front Plus, which Bill was discussed at Parliament on 6th November 2018. This bill seeks to amend Section 24 and Section 28 of the Firearms Control Act, and which Bill directly deals with the renewal of firearm licences, where either the application is brought late or after the licence has expired.
The SAGA Trust
P O Box 35203
Northway 4065
South Africa
Constitutional Court decision of 07 June 2018
Most of you will be aware of the Constitutional Court decision of 07 June 2018.
The Constitutional Court, in dismissing the application of SA Hunters and Game Conservation Association, upheld the constitutionality of Sections 24 and 28 of the Firearms Control Act. This means that you are compelled to relicence your firearm in terms of Section 24 and if you fail to do so, the possession of your firearm is illegal and you are criminalised.
The Judgment of the Constitutional Court is short, simple and to the point. It is also a final Judgment and any criticism of the Judgment is of no purpose or consequence.
What we need to consider now, is the consequences of the Judgment and if you have an expired licence, and what you can do.
The Constitutional Court ruled that the life of your licence is finite as determined by the Act and if you do not renew the licence, your licence terminates, the firearm becomes illegal and possession thereof is criminalised i.e. you become a criminal. The Constitutional Court pointed out, however, that if you intend to surrender the firearm to the police on an expired licence, you cannot be prosecuted, because handing in the firearm is a solution to the illegal possession. Froneman J specifically stated “I can see no legal obstacle to hand in a firearm over to the police after termination.” (of the licence)
This means that the safest most precautionary approach to take, is to surrender your firearm to the police for destruction if you have an expired licence.
The other alternative, which comes without any guarantees at this stage, is to wait for the proposed amnesty that the police are busy trying to finalise and put before Parliament and apply for a licence in terms of such amnesty. This comes, however, with some potential risks inasmuch as your possession of a firearm on an expired licence remains illegal until you have handed it in to the police and applied for an licence in terms of the amnesty.
Under no circumstances and as a result of this Judgment, should anybody with an expired licence carry and/or use their firearm until they have been granted a licence in terms of the proposed amnesty.
In summary therefore you can:
1) Immediately surrender your firearm to the police for destruction and avoid being criminalised; or
2) You can keep your firearm, not use it or carry it and wait for the proclamation of the amnesty to surrender your firearm in terms of the amnesty and to apply for a licence in terms of the amnesty.
I do not know exactly when the amnesty will be proclaimed.
The Judgment does not change the status of green or old Act licences which remain valid.
SA Hunters Official Media Release Following Concourt Ruling on Firearms Licence Issue
Read MoreSA Hunters vs CFR Court Ruling
CHASA – Congratulates the South African Hunters & Game Conservation Association
The Confederation of Hunters Association of SA congratulates the CEO, Executive and management of “SA Hunters” on their pivotal and decisive court triumph in their case against aspects of the Firearms Control Act (60 of 2000) as handed down in the North Gauteng High Court today.
We have had some small insight into the diligence, hard work, long hours and calculated risk which the SA Hunters team have put in and can attest to what a magnificent effort it was. It is also sad, but true that at every step of the way the State (SAPS/CFR) could, and should have engaged with SA Hunters and all firearm related stakeholders to rectify the patent problems that exist with both the legislation and the implementation thereof which would have solved the problems much sooner and without litigation being necessary.
Salient features of the judgement. Otherwise click here for the full judgement:
- declare Sec 24 & 28 of the Firearms Control Act (60 of 2000) unconstitutional.
- gives the State 18 months to rectify.
- deems all expired licenses valid pending such rectification.
- respondent (State) to pay costs.
Draft Firearm Control Amendment Bill
CSOP Acknowledges SAGA Submission – 11 August 2021
Dear SAGA Member
CIVILLIAN SECRETARIAT FOR POLICE ACKNOWLEDGES RECIEPT OF SAGA SUBMISSION
11 AUGUST 2021
The Civilian Secretariat for Police Service has acknowledged receipt of our SAGA submission against the FCA Amendment Bill. We trust that our submission will be taken seriously as a major stakeholder in the firearms landscape in South Africa. In our letter to the CSOP Secretary’s office on 1 August 2021, SAGA Chairperson Damian Enslin said the following:
“We place on record that an inadequate amount of time has been given to sufficiently and properly comment on the Bill and thus SAGA objects to the Bill in its entirety. None-the-less in the inadequate time allocated to make submissions on the Bill, please find below our main submissions as well as a Schedule of Submissions which must be read in conjunction with this document.”
Our Full submission can be found on the following Links:
SAGA Submission on FCA Bill 2021 Final
SAGA Schedule of Comments on Draft Bill.1Aug2021SAGA Schedule of Comments on Draft Bill
Or on our website www.saga.org.za
Issued by THE SAGA TRUST
Court Order : Extension of Date For Submissions IRO Proposed Amendments to the Firearm Control Act
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