Pretoria - Firearm owners, whose birthdays fall between 1 October and 31 December, are urged by the South African Police Service (SAPS) to renew their firearm licences, permits and authorisations by 31 March 2009 in terms of the Firearms Control legislation.
"I urge those persons who have not submitted their renewal applications to do so as soon as possible and not to wait until the last day.
"Past experience showed that a large number of people wait until the last few days to submit their applications," said SAPS Divisional Commissioner Arno Lamoer.
He said this resulted in long queues and angry applicants at the respective Firearm Registration Centres and hampered the effectiveness of the designated firearms' officers.
SAPS commenced with the renewal of firearm licences in January 2005 and the final phase for the renewal of firearm licences ends on 31 March 2009.
The Firearms Control Act (2000) prescribes that firearm owners who acquired firearms in terms of the Arms and Ammunition Act, 1969, are required to renew their firearm licences.
Since 2005 this has been done in phases and it is linked to the birth month of the owners.
The last group of people whose birthday falls within the period of 1 October and 31 December, have only until 31 March 2009 to submit their applications for the renewal to the designated firearms officer situated in the area where they reside.
SAPS has also warned that there will not be an extension after 31 March 2009 for the late filing of renewal applications.
"All firearm owners in South Africa must note that if they do not wish to renew their firearm licences or where they failed to file their renewal applications within the set renewal periods have an opportunity until 30 June 2009, to opt for other options such as selling of their firearms to another legal entity," SAPS said.
Firearm owners also have an option to apply to the SAPS to deactivate their firearm or voluntarily hand over the firearm to the SAPS for destruction.
Firearm owners who fail to abide by the new regulations will face criminal prosecution.
Information on the renewal of firearms and other options are available from designated firearms' officers at the respective police stations and firearm registration centres or the public can call the National Firearms call centre on (012) 353-6111.
