13 January 2010
The Limpopo MEC for Safety, Security and Liaison, Ms Dikeledi Magadzi has urged the people of Limpopo and corporations to take advantage of the firearm amnesty by handing over their firearms voluntarily and without delay.
Magadzi said those who fail to do so during the three-month long (11 January to 11 April 2010) amnesty period will face the full might of the law if found in possession of illegal firearms and ammunition.
However, Magadzi pointed out that firearm amnesty is aimed at reducing the number of illegal firearms in circulation which accounts to many serious and violent crimes. She stressed that the amnesty and the separate legislation is not aimed at disarming licensed gun owners. This she said is done in the context of promoting responsible ownership of firearms.
“We would like to encourage legal gun owners including security companies, dealers, manufacturers of firearms and parts with surplus, obsolete and redundant stock to surrender them to the police for destruction in terms of the firearm control regulations,” Magadzi said.
The firearm amnesty was launched by Police Minister, Nathi Mthethwa under the theme ‘awuleth’ umshini wakho – surrender your firearm,’ a government’s drive to rid the country of illegal guns.
Magadzi stressed that as with previous amnesties and voluntary surrender of firearms, no compensation will be paid to those who heed the call to surrender firearms, legal or illegal.
During the 2005 amnesty period, police seized and confiscated 17 665 illegal firearms with 33 723 (illegal) and 46 631 (licensed) firearms handed in voluntarily.
Enquiries:
Joe Maila
Tel: 015 290 2912
Cell: 083 457 1549
E-mail: Joe.maila@dssl.limpopo.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Safety, Security and Liaison, Limpopo Provincial Government
13 January 2010
Source: Limpopo Provincial Government (http://www.limpopo.gov.za/)
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please Leave a message