Police ministry notes huge public interest in Firearms Control Amendment Bill

The police ministry has continued to note with interest the public debate around the proposed amendments to the Firearms Control Amendment Bill, 2021.

In a statement on Wednesday, the ministry said since the bill was published in the Government Gazette for comments on Friday, May 21, more than 100 000 written submissions have been received.

“The Firearms Control Amendment Bill, 2021 replaces the Firearms Control Amendment Bill, 2015 that was submitted to cabinet in February 2015.

The comments received by and large oppose the repeal of the provisions pertaining to self defence, the collectors of firearms and ammunition, private collectors, the reloading of ammunition, the restrictions on the number of firearms and ammunition that sport shooters and hunters may possess and the reduction in the licensing period

the statement read

The ministry said on Monday, June 28, Police Minister Bheki Cele extended the legislative process that sought to mould the Firearms Control Bill through public participation for 21 working days.

This period will commence from July 5 and end on August 2.

“This decision follows the civilian secretariat police service receiving a number of requests for information with particular interest in the Witwatersrand School of Governance, 2015 and the firearms committee 2016 research reports, which formed the basis of the amendments.

“In the spirit of fairness and transparency, a decision was taken to make these reports available and afford all members of the public an opportunity to have proper insight into the reports and provide informed comments when contributing to the strengthening of the bill.

“It is prudent to note that these research reports were not the only source of information, which informed the provisions of the amendments, but consideration of policy decisions and crime statistics were utilised as well.

“The police ministry is once again urging South Africans to make their input to the Firearms Control Amendment Bill, 2021 which can be accessed on the civilian secretariat for the police’s website www.policesecretariat.gov.za. The bill is open for public comment until August 2.”