The news that the South African Police Service will issue temporary firearm permits to owners who’s licence applications have not yet been approved, is welcomed widely.
A SAPS directive signed on 12 September was sent to all SAPS provincial commissioners, instructing them to inform station commanders in the provinces about the decision to issue temporary permits to firearm owners that are still waiting for the printed licence cards.
The temporary permit will be valid until the licence card is available.
The SA Hunters and Game Conservation Association (SA Hunters) welcomes this announcement.
“This announcement brings relief to thousands of firearm owners that purchased firearms but cannot collect their firearms from the dealers because they cannot produce a valid licence card.”
Fred Camphor, CEO of SA Hunters, said this is the first positive news in a long time towards bringing relief for law-abiding firearm owners that have been waiting for licence cards to be printed for up to six months or even longer.
“SA Hunters has 44 000 members that use their firearms for recreational purposes such as sport shooting competitions and for hunting. Without a valid licence, firearm owners may not use their firearms at all. Our members are responsible firearm owners that practise regularly to maintain and improve their shooting skills. “The unnecessary delays with the issuing of licence cards have been very frustrating to our members.”
