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Compiled by the Government Communication and Information System --------------------------------------------------------------- Date: 25 Jan 2005 Title: Police urge illegal gun owners to heed law --------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- By Chris Khumalo Durban - Police in KwaZulu-Natal have expressed concern that people are not taking full advantage of the amnesty to hand in their illegal guns without prosecution. According to the police, only 31 firearms and 972 rounds of ammunition were handed in at police stations in the province since the beginning of the amnesty in January 2005. Police warned that anyone found illegally possessing firearms, parts thereof and ammunition during or after the amnesty period could face criminal prosecution. This amnesty period will continue through to 31 March 2005. So far 31 firearms - including 28 pistols, two riffles and one shotgun - had been handed in at various police stations in the province. Also 972 rounds of various calibres of ammunition have been handed in. "Although we welcome the submission of firearms and ammunition during the this amnesty, we are still very concerned that people are not taking full advantage of this privilege. "The SAPS through its own initiative has confiscated 130 illegal firearms and 1013 rounds of ammunition and people have made voluntary submissions to the extent of 117 [pistols, rifles and shotguns] and 1347 rounds of ammunition during this same reporting period, which is an indication that the majority of the people are not submitting to the amnesty," spokesperson for KZN police Vishnu Naidoo said. Mr Naidoo said people who could take advantage of this offer were persons bearing knowledge of the whereabouts of illegal firearms, ammunition and firearm parts, and those who inherited firearms and did not apply for a licence, for example. Others had no authorisation to legally possess such firearms or sell such firearms, including ammunition and/or firearms parts. "We would also like to emphasise that the amnesty is only applicable in so far as the illegal possession of the firearms, ammunition and firearm parts. Anyone requiring additional information can contact our Central Firearm Registration on 012-353 6111," said Mr Naidoo. - BuaNews |
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