DA slams gun-amnesty 'hiccup'

2004-10-01 21:50

Cape Town - The Democratic Alliance has criticised Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula for indefinitely postponing the amnesty for handing in illegal firearms to the police, due to have begun on Friday.

DA spokesman Roy Jankielsohn said Nqakula's statement that he had recalled the amnesty dates, because of the festive season, "does not wash".

"If a shortage of time over the festive season was really the problem, then why not just extend the period, rather than postponing it?

"Illegal firearms are used extensively in crimes during the festive season when people tend to carry more cash with them," he said.

Jankielsohn suggested the real reason for the postponement may have been that the minister had failed to comply with the Firearms Control Act, which required parliament to approve the amnesty period for it to be valid.

'Will only add to the confusion'

"As a member of the safety and security portfolio committee, I am unaware of any approval being sought," he said.

Whatever Nqakula's reasons for recalling the amnesty, this would only "add to the existing confusion surrounding the implementation of the FCA".

The postponement also meant people who voluntarily brought illegal firearms to police stations from Friday were either liable for prosecution, or would have wait for the next date to be announced.

Any action taken against them could clearly be regarded as a breach of trust between such individuals and the police.

"It is now time for the minister to state unambiguously what he intends to do to remedy the situation before the first round of mass renewals (of gun licences) begins in three months' time.

"He must state clearly what his intentions are regarding amnesty and stick to his decision," said Jankielsohn.

- SAPA