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Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000)

Chapter 20 : Special powers relating to amnesties and firearm-free zones

139. Amnesty

 

(1) The Minister may, by notice in the Gazette, declare an amnesty if—
(a) the amnesty may result in the reduction of the number of illegally possessed firearms in South Africa; and
(b) it is in the public interest to do so.

 

(2) A notice contemplated in subsection (1)—
(a) will only be valid if it is approved by Parliament;
(b) must specify the period during which persons may apply for amnesty; and
(c) must specify the conditions under which amnesty may be granted.

 

(3) A person who surrenders a firearm or ammunition in compliance with a notice published in terms of subsection (1), may not be prosecuted in relation to—
(a) the firearm, for having been in possession of that firearm without the appropriate licence, permit or authorisation; or
(b) the ammunition, for having been in possession of that ammunition without having been in lawful possession of a firearm capable of discharging the ammunition.

 

(4)
(a) A person who surrenders a firearm in compliance with a notice published in terms of subsection (1) may apply in terms of this Act for a licence in respect of that firearm.
(b) If a licence is granted, the firearm and ammunition, if any, surrendered in terms of this Act must be returned to the holder of the licence.

 

(5) The Registrar must dispose of any firearm or ammunition surrendered in compliance with a notice in terms of subsection (1) in such manner and after the expiry of such period as may be prescribed.