Gun-owners rush to beat amnesty

2005-06-30 17:11

Bloemfontein - Free State police have experienced a last-minute rush to hand in firearms before the gun amnesty ends at midnight on Thursday.

Superintendent Annelie Wrensch said designated officers at some police stations were having "a busy day" by Thursday afternoon.

Police were ready for the "last-minute rush" and officers would be on standby until midnight.

Captain Tony Modise of Northern Cape police said they had had a similar situation.

"The number of people surrendering firearms and ammunition has increased significantly at various police stations since Tuesday," he said.

The firearms amnesty for anyone in possession of an illegal firearm or ammunition came into effect on January 1.

Earlier, Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula said more than 80 000 firearms had been handed in at authorities around the country since the start of the amnesty period.

Nqakula said 35 657 legal firearms and 25 066 illegal firearms had been handed in. A further 13 224 weapons were confiscated by the police and 7 890 firearms had been destroyed.

- SAPA