People who own firearms and have a valid claim to them are set to start making presentations to National Police Commissioner Bheki Cele explaining why they should not be destroyed. According to a notice in the Government Gazette published on December 14, the State intends destroying all firearms and ammunition voluntarily surrendered or forfeited.

Cele says the presentations should be made within 21 days after the publication of the notice. The representation must contain full information on the firearm, the owner and the police station where it was surrendered or forfeited.

Still on firearms, Gauteng police on Friday arrested 15 suspects for being in possession of illegal firearms. A total of 10 stolen firearms were recovered during these arrests. Police spokesperson Eugene Opperman said legal gun-owners need to take steps to safe-guard their firearms and ammunition over the festive season. 

He said firearms should be securely locked away in a safe or be in the legal gun-owner’s possession at all times. He also advised that gun owners should perhaps carry their Identity Documents or documentation with them in the event a law enforcement officer asks about possession of the firearm.- Additional reporting by Sapa