Firearms Control Act Knowledge flashcards
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32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Firearms Control Act
- South African statute 60 of 2000 that regulates firearm possession, licensing, competency, trade, storage, offences and enforcement; it is administered by the SAPS.
- Designated Firearms Officer
- A SAPS member at a police station who receives firearm licence and competency applications, conducts interviews and inspections, and forwards recommendations to the Registrar.
- Central Firearms Register
- The national SAPS database that records firearm licences, competency certificates, serial numbers and dealer transactions; it supports verification and enforcement.
- Section 13 licence
- A licence to possess one firearm, not a restricted firearm, for self-defence; it is issued to a fit and proper person with a valid competency certificate.
- Competency certificate
- A certificate issued by the Registrar confirming that a person has completed accredited training and is fit and proper to possess a firearm in a specified category.
- Accredited training provider
- A training institution approved by the SAPS to deliver the prescribed firearm competency courses, including legal knowledge, safe handling and practical shooting assessments.
- Fit and proper person
- A person without disqualifying convictions, violence, substance dependence, mental illness or declaration of unfitness, who can responsibly possess a firearm.
- Competency versus licence
- A competency certificate proves eligibility and training; a firearm licence grants the legal authority to possess a specific firearm. Both are required.
- Licence renewal
- An application to extend a firearm licence before its expiry date; late renewal can leave possession unlawful and may require a new application.
- Refusal with reasons
- The Registrar must give written reasons when refusing a licence or competency application; the applicant may appeal or seek judicial review.
- Appeal against refusal
- A formal challenge to an administrative refusal, usually made to the Minister of Police and, if necessary, reviewed by a court.
- Private defence
- A defence justifying force against an unlawful, imminent attack when the response is necessary and proportional to the threat faced.
- Proportionality in defence
- The force used in private defence must be no more than reasonably necessary to stop the attack; excessive force becomes unlawful.
- Duty of care
- A firearm owner's legal obligation to take reasonable steps to prevent unauthorised access, loss, theft or misuse of the firearm and ammunition.
- Section 49 force
- Criminal Procedure Act provision limiting force used to effect arrest; deadly force is allowed only where the suspect poses an immediate threat of death or serious harm.
- Muzzle discipline
- The safe-handling rule that the firearm's muzzle must always point in a direction where an unintentional discharge would cause no injury or damage.
- Semi-automatic cycling
- The firing cycle in which gas or recoil extracts the spent case, chambers a new round from the magazine and resets the hammer or striker.
- Calibre matching
- The requirement that ammunition must be exactly compatible with the firearm's chambering; wrong-calibre ammunition can cause dangerous pressure or malfunction.
- Cleaning sequence
- Unload, remove the magazine, inspect the chamber, clean the bore and action, then apply light lubrication and reassemble.
- Safe storage rule
- Firearms must be stored unloaded in a locked safe meeting the prescribed standard, with keys or combinations inaccessible to unauthorised persons.
- Transport condition
- A firearm being transported must be unloaded, in a locked container, not readily accessible, with ammunition stored separately and the licence carried.
- Carrying in holster
- When carried, a firearm should be secured in a holster or sling, under the holder's control and not displayed publicly.
- Report loss or theft
- The licence holder must immediately notify the SAPS of a lost or stolen firearm and provide the serial number and circumstances.
- Prohibited firearm
- A firearm that cannot lawfully be licensed, such as a fully automatic firearm or one converted to fire automatically.
- Restricted firearm
- A firearm falling into a special category, such as certain semi-automatics or short-barrelled firearms, requiring a specific licence and conditions.
- Declaration of unfitness
- A finding by a court or the Registrar that a person may not possess firearms because of violence, substance abuse, mental illness or other disqualifying conduct.
- Dealer register
- A mandatory record kept by a licensed dealer listing each firearm's details, serial number, source and the licence details of the acquirer.
- Gunsmith records
- A licensed gunsmith must record repairs and alterations, including the firearm identity, owner and work performed, for inspection.
- Ammunition sales record
- A dealer must record ammunition sales, including the buyer's identity and licence or permit details, as prescribed.
- Unlawful possession
- Possessing a firearm or ammunition without a valid licence, permit or authorisation; it is a serious offence under the Act.
- Seizure of firearm
- A police official may take possession of a firearm when an offence is suspected, the firearm is unsafe, or the holder is unfit; a receipt is issued.
- Forfeiture to State
- A court order or prescribed administrative outcome that transfers ownership of a seized firearm to the State, often after conviction or unfitness.