Nqakula hails arms law ruling
2004-06-30 22:03
Cape Town - Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula has welcomed a ruling by the Pretoria High Court dismissing an application by the South African Gun Association and other parties against a new gun law which is to take effect from midnight on Wednesday.
The application was brought against the president, the minister and the national commissioner of police.
The ministry said in a statement that the judge had found that there was no urgency, no legal basis and no reasonable prospect of any success in the matter.
It was alleged that the full implementation of the Firearms Control Act would result in numerous difficulties or chaos in respect of hunters, dealers, collectors and firearm owners and the security industry, the ministry noted.
The minister said: "It is clear that in the period preceding the application misinterpretation and incorrect information has been spread through the media, in an attempt to derail the implementation process which was decided upon by parliament as far back as November 2003."
The court stated that it could not be held at ransom in the manner the applicants attempted to do.
"It is hereby confirmed that the South African Police Service will proceed with the full implementation of the Firearms Control Legislation on 1 July 2004.
"This implementation of this Act is one of the main priorities of the South African Police Service and the department of safety and security," the ministry said.
Designated firearms officers
Nqakula said: "This country is sick and tired of the negative effects of serious violent crimes committed with firearms. Government, through this legislation, has adopted a constructive approach to address this problem.
"We appeal to everyone in the country to participate in the implementation as far as they are concerned.
In this regard we will communicate on a continuous basis with the community in order to ensure a safe and secure environment in the Republic in respect of re-licensing, accreditation, and other requirements.
"At grass roots level, the local designated firearms officers have been trained to assist the public in respect of the implementation of the Act and regulations," said the minister.
The Act will make it mandatory for anyone applying for a gun licence to first undergo a test of their marksmanship.
A person will only be allowed to possess one firearm for defence purposes and existing licence holders will have to renew their licences according to a schedule running up to 2008.