Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000)Chapter 20 : Special powers relating to amnesties and firearm-free zones139. 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. |