September 2023: European News : Proposed ban on lead in shotgun ammunition joint statement by the ISSF and FITASC international shooting federations

15th September 2022

SAPS directive concerning Temporary Permits for approved licences whilst awaiting licence card(s) to be printed – download PDF HERE

Please be aware that this facility may not be available immediately!  If you do need a temporary permit, please print out this letter and take it with you to your local DFO/Police Station.  Please have patience whilst the information on this new facility is sent to the police stations.

EXPIRED LICENCES : PROCEDURE TO APPLY FOR A NEW LICENCE FOR YOUR EXPIRED FIREARM LICENCE

Directive issued by SAPS : 6th July 2022

Notice from Martin Hood:

From Martin on FB:

“Afternoon All the SAPS Fidelity directive is legitimate and is to be applauded for it’s foresight and progressive , pragmatic approach.  Recognition must be given to SAPS themselves who , internally , were well aware of difficulties that could have so easily arisen from implementation of the Fidelity judgment had their approach been more restrictive.   Our new NATCOM and his team, including members from the CFR who have worked on this directive , deserve a heartfelt ” Thank You ”   However, we as responsible firearm owners must do what is right and required of us.  We need to utilise this process and ensure that others do so.  We must not abuse the process, so when your safekeeping certificate is issued to you , it means keep your firearm locked up and do not use it.  Remember, this procedure can be changed if abused.  SAPS is aware that the procedure does not cover every possible situation and do have an open mind to try and resolve situations not covered by the directive. We will need to be patient while they are made aware of and work through such situations.
Thank You SAPS.
Martin Hood”

Download full PDF HERE

Government Notice of Destruction of Firearms – 7th June 2022

SAGA Class Action update 13th June 2022

Does Gun Control Work on Criminals?  article by #SafeCitizen’s Jonathan Deal – 12th June 2022

“In South Africa, in contrast to the claim of anti-firearm lobby groups such as Gun Free South Africa that firearms are the leading cause of homicide, it is more reliably reported by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) in its latest national survey of injury-related deaths, published in September 2021, that statistically, the actual murder weapon of choice for South Africans is a knife. “

CONSTITUTIONAL COURT CASE :

EXPIRED LICENCES

JUDGEMENT HANDED DOWN 27TH MAY 2022 :

Appeal case heard in the Fidelity Security Services matter – download the full judgement here.

MINISTER OF POLICE :

Martin Hood letter to the Minister of Police, dated 1st June 2022, requesting an undertaking that firearms that were handed in for destruction will not be destroyed by SAPS until it has been ascertained if the owner would like to apply for a new licence in accordance with the Fidelity Judgement   – download here.

CHASA UPDATE :

CHASA update on expired licences dated 9th June 2022 – download here.

SUMMARY BY MARTIN HOOD :

Download Martin’s summary of the situation dated 8th June 2022 – here.

CTSASA advice as at 11th June 2022 :

Read both the CHASA and Martin Hood update and summary and wait for further updates.

In the meantime, if you need to apply for a new licence for an expired licence, prepare your documentation for the application and remember that it is a NEW application.  It would also be extremely helpful for you to assist others, who are not so intimately involved with the shooting sports, with their firearm licences. 

General Firearm News : 11th May 2022

1. Transporting/carrying firearms – SAPS official notification dated 5th May 2022 clarifying how a firearm in any category may be in your possession with the appropriate valid licence [PDF]
2. Using someone else’s firearm – SAGA advice on the practicalities of another person using your firearm in your presence and under immediate supervision – only a licenced firearm owner aged 21 years or over may allow another person to use his/her firearm  [PDF]
3. Temporary Export/Import Permits – allow up to 12 weeks for your application to be processed.  Ensure that you supply the appropriate motivation and documents to support your application (i.e. letter(s) of invitation, copy of competition information etc)

Expired licences, green licences, amnesties and Firearms Control Act Amendment Bill 2021 – click here to read summary of situation as at 21st May 2021

Firearms Amnesty 1st August 2020 to 31st January 2021 : Update 29th January 2021

1. Problems with the amnesty?  Please send details of your personal situation to Sarah – info@ctsasa.co.za
2. Vulnerable to prosecution for alleged possession of an illegal firearm?  Please download this document written and compiled by Martin J Hood (attorney) which will assist you with valuable information : click HERE

Launch of #SafeCitizen – 29th October 2020 – click here for website

“The #SafeCitizen campaign is a movement focused on the right of every South African to be free of all forms of violence.  We are convinced that the lawful and responsible possession of a firearm is in most instances the only option open to law-abiding citizens in the event of a life-threatening attack.

Global and local statistics prove that criminals prefer to select places and victims where they are unlikely to encounter an armed citizen.  This is a positive benefit for the community and a great aid to the police in preventing and combatting violent crime.

We embrace the notion and reality that every competent South African citizen should be free at any time to choose to apply for a licence to possess a firearm for any lawful purpose.”

Click HERE for the full media release

FIREARMS AMNESTY NO. 2 : 1ST AUGUST 2020 TO 31ST JANUARY 2021

“The next amnesty, which has been anticipated for some time, was approved by Parliament on Thursday 30 July 2020. The amnesty is to run from 1 August 2020 until 31 Jan 2021. The terms and conditions are essentially the same as the amnesty that concluded recently. Given the loss to GOSA in the appeal by SAPS against the interdict which had prevented SAPS from confiscating firearms for the sole reason of the licence having expired, members and the public must understand that this amnesty is the ONLY recourse to use if you have firearms with expired licences. We had previously recommended the use of the last amnesty for this purpose, but our advice was contradicted by alternative views then. The current situation now emphasises the correctness of our original stance and again we urge members to use the amnesty. This time no other relief seems likely…..”

For the full update, please click HERE.

For the new Government Gazette, please click HERE.

FIREARMS SURRENDERED UNDER AMNESTY TO BE DESTROYED – 14th May 2020

Download the gazette here

View the list of firearms to be destroyed here

RENEWAL OF FIREARM LICENCES DURING LOCKDOWN – CHASA Notice – 3rd April 2020

“Information coming in from our own sources indicates that in some cases the DFO offices are functioning normally, or near to normal. In other cases, the DFO offices are closed altogether. Based on past attitude we must assume that Brig Mabule will attempt to enforce the harshest interpretation of the act and regulations, and is unlikely to offer any grace to those caught up due to the lockdown who fail to get their applications for renewal submitted within the validity period of their expiring licence. We therefore suggest that you make every effort to comply wherever possible and do your renewal applications within the prescribed period.”  Click HERE for the full notice and advice.

FIREARMS AMNESTY 2019/2020

CHASA Update 3rd March 2020

“We believe however that this amnesty DOES provide an avenue to once again normalize your ownership of firearm/s which licensee/s have expired. Although it could have been much better structured, we still strongly suggest that the amnesty be used in this regard”

To read the full advice and update, click HERE

FIREARMS AMNESTY 2019/2020

SA Hunters Newsletter 28th January 2020 – download here

The above newsletter is in both English and Afrikaans and is an excellent explanation of the current status of the firearms amnesty.  It gives you the pros and cons of using the amnesty to resolve the issue of an expired licence.  If you have an expired licence we strongly advise that you read this newsletter.

[extract]

“Unfortunately, the Board cannot take decisions on behalf of every member. Each member whose firearm licence has expired, must decide whether they will be surrendering their firearms or not.

The situation is as follows:

Should the Board advise you not to make use of the amnesty, and you are prosecuted for illegal possession of an unlicensed firearm, we could be in trouble.

Should the Board advise you to make use of the amnesty to hand in your firearm and to apply for a new licence (as provided for in this amnesty) and the licence application is rejected and you lose your firearm, we will be in trouble too.

Therefore, it was decided to give members all the information and leave it to them to make an informed decision on how to handle the situation.”

FIREARMS AMNESTY 2019/2020

15th January 2020

CHASA Advice – 15th January 2020

Dear CHASA Members,
You are surely aware of the firearm amnesty that is proclaimed and runs from 1 Dec 2019 to 31 May 2020.  CHASA has issued previous advice to members that need to use this amnesty to try rectify expired firearm licences. This was to await further info but to ensure they hold valid competency in the meantime. We now have some further clarity and can advise as follows: …. (download PDF file here)

Cele Fights the Citizens of SA rather than Criminals – CHASA Press release – 15th January 2020

News 24 reports under the headline “Cele on guns: Amended Firearms Control Act cannot allow individuals to own more than one gun” that our police minister seems hell bent on reducing the number of legally held firearms in South Africa. The full report, with accompanying video, should concern every law-abiding citizen whether firearm owner or not. Rhetoric such has his has previously been proclaimed by such luminaries as Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Pol Pot, Idi Amin and Kim Jung-Ill.…. (download PDF file here)

FIREARMS AMNESTY 2019/2020

6th December 2019 :

An accurate and detailed explanation of the current confusion surrounding the declared firearms amnesty – thank you to SA Hunters for this excellent letter addressed to the Minister of Police.  Download HERE.

Update August 2019

Barrel Change and the SAAADA (South African Arms and Ammunition Dealers’ Association) court case against SAPS.

JUDGMENT – SAAADA(11.7.2019)

The North Gauteng High court gave judgment in favour of SAAADA interdicting the police from stopping barrel replacement.  SAPS had summarily stopped allowing barrel changes.  You can read more on Martin J Hood’s Facebook group here.

Update 8th April 2019

Dear CHASA Members

There has been little new news in the firearm ownership situation lately, but it is appropriate that we bring you up to date with some issues and remind you of a few others

Expired Licences

The status quo remains in that the interim order obtained by GOSA in Jul 2018 against SAPS prevents them confiscating firearms purely on the basis that the licence has expired. Therefore, no SAPS official is able to take any action against you should you be in possession of a firearm for which the licence has expired, nor may they confiscate such firearms. Just be aware…….. read the rest of the CHASA update – download here

Update 1st April 2019 (no, this was not an April Fool’s Joke!!)

Dear CHASA Members
Below follows a series of correspondence which relates to a policy position taken by SAPS Western Cape regarding the use of a firearm outside of the use specified in the Section of the Act that it is licenced for. SAPS had been informing persons in that area that to use a Sec 15 or 16 licenced firearm in a self defence scenario is illegal and could result in being criminally charged.

The correspondence below is:
1) an email from Attorney Martin Hood attempting to make them see reason on the matter.
2) Their reply to Mr Hood from WC Provincial Commissioner’s office wherein they attempt to argue their stance as correct.
3) A letter from CHASA in response to their stance which challenges their way of thinking and calls for a response. To date no response has been forthcoming.  Read the remainder of the notice – download here.

EXPIRED LICENCES : VITAL INFORMATION (CURRENT AS AT 22/2/19)

30th July 2018 : press release by CHASA RE: Gun Owners South Africa (GOSA) : Urgent Application heard on 27th July 2018

Currently applicable for 2019 – from the above CHASA press release :

“The CHASA Executive and Firearms Portfolio have followed the urgent case being brought by GOSA against SAPS, in particular challenging aspects of the renewal processes for firearm licences. On Friday GOSA won a critical first round challenge by obtaining an interdict against SAPS which orders them not, at this stage, to go ahead with any confiscation process or accepting any firearm relating to expired licences. This is a critical advantage for anyone who currently holds an expired licence.”

For confirmation see : SAPS Notice 30-7-18

The advice is still to keep your firearm that has an expired licence in your safe until further information becomes available – 22/2/19

Gun Owners South Africa (GOSA) : Urgent Application 17th July 2018

1-101A             102-214A                   215-317A                  Index to Notice of Motion

GOSA has submitted a “Notice of Motion” against the National Commission of Police and the Minister of Police with the following application:

1. Prohibit the implementation of plans to accept firearms for which the licence has expired at any police station or other premises.
2. Extend the period of validity to the lifetime of the firearm owner.
3. Alternatively, to extend the period of validity to allow the owner to reapply for the licence
4. Alternatively, to provide a security plan to the satisfaction of the court to prevent the loss or theft of the firearms handed in to SAPS.

Further information on this will be forthcoming as soon as it is available.

Firearms Legislation : Expired Licences

Advice as at 12th July 2018 –

Since the publication of the Constitutional Court ruling, there have been numerous questions flying around.  Some of which we can answer and some of which we cannot!

If you have a ‘green’ licence, i.e. a licence from the old Arms and Ammunition act 1969, then this licence is still considered valid.

If you have both a green licence and a white licence (from the Firearms Control Act), then you are in unchartered territory.  The Police view the green licence in this case as expired.  However, this has yet to be tested in court.

In summary, the advice to those members who have expired FCA firearms licences is as follows:-

1. Keep your firearms in a compliant safe and do not use them until the situation becomes clearer – advice still valid 22/2/19

2. If a police officer instructs you to hand in your firearm, you must do so. – see update above – 22/2/19

3. We are expecting a national directive from SAPS and as soon as we know more we will publish the information.

UPDATE: 30/7/18 : SEE UPDATED INFORMATION ABOVE AS AT 22/2/19

Expired Licences

Constitutional Court Judgement on SAPS Appeal on SA Hunters – download HERE

Statement by Martin J Hood – 7th 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.

Statement by SA Hunters and Game Conservation Association

MEDIA RELEASE: Constitutional Court ruling on renewal of firearm licences

8 June 2018

_________________________________________________________________________________

SA Hunters will continue discussions with SAPS for pragmatic approach to firearm legislation

The SA Hunters and Game Conservation Association (SA Hunters) will continue discussions with the SAPS and other authorities to find practical and reasonable solutions for the administrative problems that legal firearm owners experience with the firearm licensing process.

The Association is disappointed that the Constitutional Court judgement on 7 June 2018 overturned Judge Ronel Tolmay’s ruling in the North Gauteng High Court in 2017, when she had declared Sections 24 and 28 of the Firearms Control Act unconstitutional.

The Concourt ruling brings no relief for the estimated 300 000 firearm owners that merely forgot to renew their firearm licences in time. It forces these owners to hand in their firearms at their police stations to be destroyed. The current law makes no provision for these people to renew their firearm licences.

SA Hunters CEO, Fred Camphor, said the Constitutional Court focussed on the constitutionality of Sections 24 and 28 of the Act, while it did not seem to consider the other limitations and difficulties associated with act. “Although the court acknowledged the chaotic administration and management of the Act, no remedy was offered to address any of the problems that firearm owners experience.”

SA Hunters’ case regarding the unconstitutionality of Sections 24 and 28 of the Firearms Control Act, or parts thereof, rested on the following three principles.

• The Act is irrational and vague in terms of the principles and process of relicensing.
• Unequal treatment existed among gunowners.
• Contravention of the property clause in the Constitution.

The Constitutional Court judges rejected all three these principles and ruled that Sections 24 and 28 were not unconstitutional.

The legal battle between SA Hunters and SAPS follows on many years’ frustration and problems among firearm owners about the renewal of firearm licences and uncertainties created by SAPS’ interpretation and implementation of Sections 24 and 28 of the Act.

Direct implication of the judgement

The ruling means that all firearms of which the licences had expired and for which renewal applications have not been submitted in time, are deemed to be in illegal possession. Therefore, the owner of such a firearm could be criminally prosecuted for illegal possession of a firearm.

In addition, the current Act and the Constitutional Court’s judgement provides no option for the relicensing of such a firearm. This compels firearm owners to hand these firearms in at their nearest police station. They may apply for compensation for handing in their firearms but will not necessarily be granted compensation as the Registrar may decide if compensation would be payable.

The only possible alternative for this dilemma, is if a firearm licence amnesty is implemented. Earlier this year, SAPS indicated that it wished to declare an amnesty period from 1 June to 30 November 2018. “As far as we know, SAPS did not submit its application for the approval of an amnesty to Parliament in time,” said Camphor.

Should an amnesty be announced, the law makes provision as follows:

1. Illegally owned firearms (including those of which the licences had expired) must be handed in at the SAPS.
2. A firearm owner will not be prosecuted for illegal possession of a firearm.
3. SAPS will do ballistic tests on the firearm to check if it had been used in criminal activities. If the firearm can indeed be linked to a crime, the owner can be prosecuted for the crime, but not for illegal possession of a firearm.
4. The owner may apply for a new licence for the firearm handed in during the amnesty period. If the applicant complies with all the requirements, SAPS can issue a new licence and the applicant can collect his/her firearm from the police station.

Without an amnesty, firearm owners whose licences expired, can be prosecuted for illegal possession of a firearm. Although the judge expressed his opinion in the judgement that he doubted if the SAPS would prosecute an individual that hands in his/her firearm, the Court did not place any restriction on the Police or ordered them not to prosecute in this instance.

Persons that hand in their firearms do not have the option to apply for a new licence because the Act does not make provision for relicensing of a firearm that was handed in under these circumstances. In his judgement the judge suggested that the Police does not have the jurisdiction to store a firearm until a new licence has been issued.

Section 137 of the act makes provision for compensation to be paid to a person that was compelled to hand in a firearm. Regulation 92 determines the nature of the compensation. It is important to note that the Registrar has the authority to decide if compensation should be paid out. Compensation in this instance amounts to a maximum of R500 for a handgun and a maximum of R1000 for a rifle, which is far below the real value of these firearms.

Camphor said law-abiding citizens have no choice but to hand in their firearms of which the licences had expired. “The question remains if the SAPS has the capacity and ability to store the large number of firearms that are expected to be handed in”.

SA Hunters is still considering the full impact of the judgement and other options to resolve the matter. “The highest court in the country has spoken. We will probably engage with the Minister and the authorities to discuss a pragmatic approach and to resolve the ongoing problems going forward,” he said.

THE END

Issued by the SA Hunters and Game Conservation Association (SA Hunters)

Editorial enquiries: Fred Camphor on 082 445 0498 or fredc@sahunt.co.za

General media enquiries: Magda Naudé on 082 452 5878 or magda.naude@gmail.com

16th May 2018 – Firearms Amnesty Imminent

(Report by Martin J Hood)

20th February 2018 – SAGA statement on firearm amnesty 2018

Parliament, via the Portfolio Committee on Police, endorsed the 2018 Firearm Amnesty on the 14 th February 2018. The Amnesty, except for some unforeseen critical issue, will soon be Gazetted and is expected to be in effect from 1 June until 30 November 2018.  READ MORE…..

16th February 2018 : Proposed Firearm Amnesty : Latest Developments – CHASA report

The SAPS have made various ill-conceived attempts during last year to “spring” an amnesty on the public. At least three appearances and presentations were done to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee for Police (PPCP) and even one attempt to “sneak” it through the National Council of Provinces, rather than as legislated, through the National Assembly. CHASA CEO Stephen Palos was invited to present at the first appearance and pointed out some serious concerns as well as the total lack of consultation with firearm ownership stakeholders. READ MORE…..

SAGA News – 8th February 2018

A CONSTITUTIONAL CHALLENGE

Eight justices of the Constitutional Court, our country’s highest court, will henceforth have to carefully consider the arguments made on behalf of the Minister of Police (as appellant), SA Hunters and Game Conservation Association (as defendant), Gun Free SA and Fidelity Security (both as amici curiae) and then adjudicate the case on the facts as contained in pleadings and the law. Since Judge Tolmay on 4 July 2017 ruled, amongst others, that sections 24 and 28 of the Firearms Control Act, No. 60 of 2000 were unconstitutional, our law requires that any finding of unconstitutionality by a High Court, needs to be confirmed by the Constitutional Court.

On behalf of the minister it was argued that the Gauteng North High Court went beyond what was proven by the applicant (SA Hunters) and that, accordingly, the ruling could not be confirmed. Counsel for SA Hunters, however, argued convincingly that there are clear gaps in the legislation, especially in the sense that no provision is made for firearm owners who had failed to timeously apply for the renewal for their licenses, to do so either during the so-called 90-days period or even after the license has expired.  Great emphasis was placed on the fact that the failure to timeously apply for the renewal of licenses criminalise such gun owners and deprive them of their ownership of their firearms. This is an argument based on constitutional principles that protect citizens against vague and irrational legislation and equal protection for all. It also guards against arbitrary deprivation of property. We are satisfied that the court understands that there are gaps in the law and that these gaps cause confusion and uncertainty among firearm owners.

The argument of GFSA was based on emotion and (again) irrelevant statistics and we are of the view that it will not contribute significantly to any finding or decision.

Fidelity’s argument coincided largely with what SAGA argued in the Gauteng High Court, namely that sections 24 and 28 were not unconstitutional, but rather that clear guidelines should be given regarding the interpretation of the provisions. These guidelines could then be utilised by parliament in redrafting the Firearms Control Act.

As expected, at the conclusion of the arguments, the court postponed the matter for consideration and to deliver judgment. Although we have no indication how long this might take, the justices are extremely hard-working and they have very high productivity rate.

Is it possible to predict the ruling of the court? It will be unethical and very irresponsible to do so.  The court will declare unconstitutional provisions of an Act only if there are no other remedies. Accordingly, even if the court does not confirm the declaration of unconstitutionality of sections 24 and 28 by the Gauteng High Court, it may nevertheless provide interpretation and guidelines for its application.

Firearm owners are reminded that it remains their responsibility to timeously apply for the renewal of their licenses or to lawfully dispose of such firearms should they no longer wish to possess them. Although the CFR sends out sms notices  to remind licensees of the imminent expiry of their licenses, it still does not happen consistently. Rather diarise the expiry dates and apply for renewal in time.

The SAGA Trust
P O Box 35203
Northway 4065
South Africa

SAGA: CONSTITUTIONAL COURT OF SOUTH AFRICA (Pre-hearing summary)

Minister of Safety and Security v South African Hunters and Game Conservation Association

CCT 177/17

Date of hearing: 7 February 2018

MEDIA SUMMARY

The following explanatory note is provided to assist the media in reporting this case and is not binding on the Constitutional Court or any member of the Court.

On7 February 2018 at 10h00, the Constitutional Court will hear an application for confirmation of a declaration of constitutional invalidity and an application for leave to appeal in a matter concerning the expiration and renewal of firearm licences in terms of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000 (the Act).

The South African Hunters and Game Conservation Association (SA Hunters) seeks to confirm the order issued by the High Court, Pretoria (High Court) on 4 July2017 which declared sections 24 and 28 of the Act unconstitutional. The Minister of Safety and Security seeks leave to appeal the order.

The purpose of the Act is broad and includes enhancing the constitutional rights to life and bodily integrity as well as the establishment of a comprehensive and effective system of firearm control. Section 3 seeks to achieve this by forbidding individuals from possessing firearms without an appropriate licence. Each licence has a limited lifespan of two to ten years. If an individual, in possession of a firearm, does not possess a valid licence, such a person commits a criminal offence and may be fined or imprisoned for a period of up to15 years.

If a person wishes to renew a license, section 24(1) of the Act requires an application to the Registrar at least 90 days before the expiry date. Section28 sets out four different situations in which a licence will terminate: expiration; voluntary surrender; declaration by the Registrar or a Court that the holder is unfit to possess a firearm; and cancellation  in terms of the Act. Certain procedures are in place, under sections 102 and 103, to

Ensure due process in situations where a person is declared unfit to possess a firearm. However no similar provisions exist when a licence expires.

In the High Court, SA Hunters argued that this legislative framework is indefensible on grounds of rationality, clarity or non-arbitrariness and that it operates in a manner inconsistent with the equality clause in terms of section 9(1) of the Constitution and the right to property under section 25 of the Constitution. SA Hunters submitted that it is nearly impossible to meet the requirements of legality after failing to comply with the  90 day limit set out in section 24 of the Act. It argues that there is no provision that  allows people who have failed to apply for a renewal at least 90 days before the expiry date to bring themselves back within the parameters of the law. The result is that  they  will be in unlawful possession of their firearms.

The High Court identified four problems with the challenged provisions: (i) the lack of clarity as to how a licence-holder who failed to comply with the time-limit established by section 24 might rectify the situation; (ii) the lack of due process in circumstances in which a licence expires; (iii) uncertainty as to how a licence-holder is to dispose of a firearm upon expiration; and (iv)the fact that no provision is made for the surrender of a firearm for value. The High Court also held that section 9 of the Constitution is violated insofar as licence-holders are treated differently in the four situations set out in section 28 of the Act. Further, the High Court concluded that the Act is inconsistent with section 25 of the Constitution in that there is no provision allowing licence-holders whose licences have expired to sell their firearms, surrender them for value or deposit them for safe- keeping with the police or a firearms dealer.

In the Constitutional Court, the Minister submits that the High Court’s declaration that  the challenged provisions are constitutionally invalid in their entirety is overbroad and that whatever defect these provisions have can be cured more effectively by a remedy other than striking down both sections. The Minister also submits that any differential treatment attributable to the Act or its implementation does not amount to unfair discrimination in terms of section 9 of the Constitution.

With respect to the High Court’s finding on section 25 of the Constitution, the Minister submits that forfeiture of a firearm upon failure to comply with the Act does not amount to unlawful deprivation of property. Such forfeiture is in accordance with a law of  general application, arises from a legitimate exercise of power, the purpose of which is to promote public health, welfare, safety and security, and it is proportionate. The Minister also contends that the High Court erred in finding that no procedure exists whereby a firearm can be surrendered and in finding that the failure to provide value for such surrender violates section 25 of the Constitution. Moreover, the Minister submits that the High Court erred in its interpretation of section 28 of the Act and also by not applying section 36 of the Constitution.

The SAGA Trust

P O Box 35203

Northway 4065

South Africa

EXPIRED LICENCES : SUMMARY OF CURRENT SITUATION

Update : 12th July 2017

A summary of the judgement in the SA Hunters’ court case as handed down by the Gauteng North High Court Judge is as follows:

• Sections 24 and 28 of the Firearms Control Act are declared unconstitutional
• Parliament is given 18 months within which to effect the amendment of the Act in order to ensure constitutional compliance
• All firearm licenses that already lapsed or are due to be renewed shall be deemed to remain valid until the Constitutional Court has made its determination on the constitutionality of these sections
• The Respondent (SAPS) is ordered to pay the costs of the Applicant. This means the Police will have to pay the bulk of the legal cost when the case is finalised

You can read the full judgement HERE.

However, the SAPS has taken the judgement on appeal.  The implications of this appeal are still being analysed.  In the meantime, our advice is to follow the information/advice in the notice dated 27th June 2017 (see below).

As at 27^th June 2017

In brief:

• North Gauteng High Court Judge reserves judgement regarding constitutionality of Section 24 (Renewal of Firearm Licence)
• North Gauteng High Court Judge reserves judgement regarding constitutionality of Section 28 (Termination of Firearm Licence)
• North Gauteng High Court Judge orders no firearms handed in may be destroyed, pending the outcome of the various matters
• SAPS issues confirmation of validity of Arms and Ammunition act 1969 licences (“green” licences)
• Expired “white” licences with no previous “green” licence remain in “unknown territory”
• Holders of expired licences are advised to wait pending the conclusion of the SA Hunters court case and/or the impending amnesty
• The SAPS has implemented a policy of not allowing the transfer or sale of firearms with expired licences to a registered dealer, even though the FCA is silent on this issue.
• See last paragraph for advice on how to surrender a firearm should you wish to do so (and you do not have to unless you feel you want to)

In detail:

The three court cases relating to the chaos precipitated by the requirement to renew firearm licences on a rotational basis as prescribed by the Firearm Control Act (60 OF 2000) as amended are of critical concern to all firearm owners. These cases were heard on 25^th & 26^th April. CHASA and CTSASA Spokesperson and advisor for firearm legal issues, Martin Hood, is attorney of record for two of the three cases, being those of the SA Arms and Ammunition Dealers Association and a private security company.

The current situation in a nutshell is that the judge has reserved judgement regarding the constitutionality of Sec 24 and 28 of the Act, and also ordered that no firearms handed in may be destroyed, pending the outcome of the various matters.

Should Judge Ronel Tolmay, who presides over this case, rule in favour of the SA Hunters’ application, an amnesty period for re-application of expired licences will, in all likelihood, be provided for.  We are optimistic that the Judge will rule in SA Hunters favour, but there are a number of technical issues, as well as a plethora of issues that the Judge would have to deal with before she could come to a decision. Judgement in this case is expected in a few months.

Also, the Acting National Commissioner: SAPS: Lt-Gen JK Phahlane has issued a document to various stakeholders (see attached) that recognizes the applications brought to the court and acknowledges the validity of firearm licenses issued in terms of the Arms and Ammunition Act, 1969.

Firearm owners with expired “white” licences, who never had a “green” licence remain in “unknown territory” at this stage. CHASA firmly believes that those who had an original “green” licence remain covered by the interim order of 2009, as borne out by the previous paragraph. Advice to those who only have expired “white” licences is to do nothing pending the conclusion of the SA Hunters Court case, and/or the amnesty.

Unfortunately the SAPS is not allowing you to transfer, sell or even hand in firearms with expired licences to a registered dealer, even though the Firearms Control Act is silent this.   However, should you wish to surrender the firearm to the police (and you do not have to do so unless you feel you want to), please advise the police that the firearm has been earmarked for reapplication and that you do not want to hand the firearm in for destruction. Special forms are available at police stations for this very purpose.

CHASA Update 12th May 2017 – includes statement by the SAPS – click HERE

An extract from the above document:

“Firstly, cognisance must be taken of the interim court order made in the SA Hunters application which has the effect that the persons who held licenses in terms of the repealed Arms and Ammunition Act, 1969 and failed to apply for the renewal of their licenses in terms of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 in accordance with the transitional provisions set out in Schedule 1 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 remain in lawful possession thereof pending finalisation of the court application. The court application has to date not been finalised and accordingly the interim order remains valid with the result that persons who are in possession of firearms which were lawfully licensed in terms of the Arms and Ammunition Act, 1969, are in lawful possession thereof.”

Firearms Amnesty 2017 delayed –  read more HERE http://saga.org.za/

Martin J Hood & Associates Facebook – check for updates here

8th May 2017 – Update on Court Cases (Martin J Hood) – expired licences – here (Facebook)

8th May 2017 – Update on Court Cases (Martin J Hood) – expired licences (PDF)

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