36/1/4/1/200900146
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO 1122
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 4 SEPTEMBER 2009
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 14 - 2009)
Date reply submitted : 15 December 2009
Mr P J Groenewald (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Police:
(1) How many firearms were handed in by a certain organisation (name
furnished) since the discontinuation of the armed struggle in the
early nineties;
(2) whether all these firearms have been destroyed; if not, (a) why not,
(b) how many are in storage and (c) where are these firearms being
stored; if so, what are the relevant details;
(3) whether he will make a statement on the matter?
NW1387E
REPLY:
1) The issue of the illegal possession of firearms, ammunition and
explosives during the armed conflict which preceded the advent of
democracy, and in reaction to that conflict, has been dealt with as
follows:
a) The President, under the Indemnity Act, 1990 (Act No. 35 of
1990), granted indemnity to any person who before 6 December
1993, was found in possession of firearms, ammunition or
explosives and who possessed it in order to defend a community
or part thereof. This was specifically aimed at members of self-
defence units. Government Notice No. 2158, Government Gazette
No. 16165, dated 7 December 1994.
b) The illegal possession of firearms, ammunition and explosives with
political motives were included in the lists of offences for
which indemnity was granted, to persons who were members of the
African National Congress, or if he or she was not a member, if
he or she subscribed to the principles of peaceful solutions and
developments, and has completed an application form.
(Government Notice No. R.936 of 24 April 1991, Government
Gazette No. 13202, Dated 24 April 1991).
c) The Deputy Minister of Law and Order declared an indemnity under
the Arms and Ammunition Act, 1969, from 22 April 1994, until 25
April 1994. Government Notice No. 828, Government Gazette No.
15671, dated 22 April 1994.
d) The Minister for Safety and Security, declared under the Arms
and Ammunition Act, 1969, an indemnity, for the period from 15
October 1994, until 21 October 1994, in respect of arms and
ammunition which were illegally possessed, and handed in at
identified public venues. This indemnity related to the unrest
at the time in Thokoza, Vosloosrust and Kathlehong. Government
Notice No. 1799, Gazette No. 16034, dated 14 October 1994.
It is impossible after all these processes, which where not always linked
to particular organisations; parties or individuals to respond to the
question posed. During these processes firearms were handed in by all
parties involved in and against the struggle for liberation.
2) All firearms handed in or surrendered to the South African Police
Service during the nineties have already been destroyed.
3) No.
Reply to question 1122 approved by Minister