The fine print of firepower: gun laws and ownership

Since the implementation of the Firearms Control Act of 2000, legislation has given South Africans a clear framework for owning, storing and operating firearms. However, the use of a firearm for self-defence and farm safety can put farmers at risk if legal bounds are overstepped. Henning Naudé reports on the process of becoming a licensed firearm owner and the use of a firearm for protection.

- Henning Naudé

Although the application timeline for firearm licences can be lengthy due to state backlogs, applications for new licences are steadily increasing.

According to the South African Police Service's (SAPS) 2022/23 annual report, the Central Firearms Register received a total of 413 197 firearm-related applications, of which 139 451 were new firearm licence applications. There was roughly a 36% increase in new firearm applications since 2019.

The report does not mention the type of licences that were applied for. However, figures from previous reports suggest that self-defence firearm licences make up between 50% and 60% of all new applications, with hunting and sporting licences making up between 30% and 40%, and the remaining applications being for business-related holders.

The process of acquiring a licensed firearm can be done in part through various organisations that offer their services at different price points, but the steps needed remain the same for all individual licensing for private applicants.

The SAPS Fire Control Regulations sectioned in the Firearms Control Act of 2000 outline each separate process of accreditation for licensing a firearm. The basic requirements that must be met before the licensing process can begin are: being at least 21 years of age, being a South African citizen or permanent resident, and having no convictions for violent crimes.

PROCESS DIVIDED INTO THREE STEPS

Licensing a firearm can take upwards of six months, depending on the time in which SAPS can approve the relevant documentation. The process is divided into three steps that each entails completing various tests and applications.