Gun owners will be able to hand over their illegal firearms to cops when an amnesty period begins in April.
A week ago government announced that a decision was taken to allow those in possession of illegal weapons to bring them forward without being charged or prosecuted.
The process would be open for six months from April and will end in September 2017.
“The amnesty will reduce the circulation of illegally possessed firearms which will in turn result in the reduction of contact crimes,” cabinet said on 1 March 2017.
The amnesty will focus on the following:
a) Persons in possession of illegal firearms and/or ammunition in circulation, including those involved in crime.
b) Persons who inherited firearms and ammunition and failed to comply with the provisions of the Firearms Controls Act.
Police minister Nathi Nhleko said they needed to meet in order to finalise certain issues before the amnesty is declared.
(edited by MLM)
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