Protection of Businesses Act, 1978
R 385
Correctional Services Act, 1998 (Act No. 111 of 1998)Chapter III : Custody of all Inmates under Conditions of Human DignityPart C : Security34. Firearms |
| 1) | A firearm may only be issued to a correctional official on the authority of the Head of Correctional Centre or the Head of Community Corrections. |
| 2) | A firearm may only be used by a correctional official specifically trained in its use. |
| 3) | Firearms may only be used as a last resort and then only- |
| a) | in self-defence; |
| b) | in defence of any other person; |
| c) | to prevent an inmate from escaping; or |
| d) | when the security of the correctional centre or the safety of inmates or other persons is threatened. |
| 4) | Before a firearm is fired, the following procedure must be adhered to, if circumstances permit: |
| a) | A verbal waning must be given; |
| b) | if the warning is of no effect, a warning shot must be fired; |
| c) | if the warnings are of no effect, the line of fire should be directed in such a manner that the probable result will not be a fatal injury. |
| 5) | Weapons equipped for firing rubber-type ammunition may only be issued to trained correctional officials and then only for training purposes or during emergency situations. |
| 6) |
| a) | Rubber-type ammunition may as a general rule only be fired at a distance of more than 30 metres from a person. |
| b) | If such ammunition is fired at less than 30 metres from a person, the line of fire must be directed at the lower body of the person. |
| c) | Rubber-type ammunition may not be fired within a building. |
| 7) | Whenever a firearm is used, its use must be reported in writing and as prescribed by regulation |
