2004 Volume 3

How to apply for a new Firearm Licence for Dummies
by Charl van Wyk

Since 1 July 2004 all new applications for a firearm licence are evaluated in terms of the provisions of the new Firearms Control Act (FCA) and the regulations pertaining to the law.

The applicant must first complete a training course with an accredited "training provider" on an accredited shooting range. Details of those institutions and ranges already accredited appear on the official SAPS website at www.saps.org.za

The training provider will send the results of the applicant's training course to POSLEC SETA (Police, Private Security, Legal and Correctional
Sector Education and Training Authority) who will in turn issue the applicant with a proficiency certificate (should they have passed the training course). This is purely an academic qualification.

The applicant's proficiency certificate may then be submitted to their local Designated Firearms Officer (DFO) at their local Police Station when they apply for a competency certificate. The DFO will do or arrange the necessary background check. This background check is to ensure that the applicant qualifies in terms of Section 9.2 of the Firearms Control Act.

The DFO sends the application to the Central Firearms Register (CFR) in Pretoria who will provide the applicant with a competency certificate if all is well so far with the application process.

This competency certificate allows the applicant to proceed with the acquiring of a firearm that is relevant to the competency certificate issued e.g. handgun or shotgun.

Once the applicant has found a firearm that they would like to acquire, they then obtain a 271 form from their DFO which has to be completed by the applicant, the DFO and the seller of the firearm. The applicant then undergoes another background check (and finger prints are taken) to make sure that no offences in terms of the FCA have taken place since the last background check.

All this information goes back to the CFR in Pretoria and if all is clear you will be provided with a licence/permit with which you may go and collect your new firearm.

Your competency certificate and licence to possess a firearm for self-defence both expire after 5 years, so be prepared to go through the whole procedure again.

Many thanks to Charles of Suburban Guns in Plumstead, Cape Town for having the patience to help your editor understand the new processes in place. Suburban Guns can be contacted at 021-797 8787.