| 20. |
THE SAFE KEEPING OF FIREARMS |
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| In terms of the Firearms and Ammunition Act (Act No 75 of 1969) and pending the new regulations in terms of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No 60 of 2000) |
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| Every firearm owner is responsible for the safe keeping of his/her firearm. Any person whose firearm is lost or stolen due to negligence will be prosecuted criminally and may be declared unfit to possess a firearm. |
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| Regulation 28 of the Arms and Ammunition Act, 1969 (Act No 75 of 1969), lays down the minimum requirements for firearm safes and strong rooms.The requirements are as follows: |
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20.1.
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The safe must be made of commercial or high grade soft steel.
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20.2.
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The roof, floor and sides of the safe should be at least 2 mm thick and the door at least 3 mm. (A steel trunk does no meet the requirements.)
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20.3.
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Safe doors should, when locked, not move noticeably when force is applied to it.
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20.4.
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Safe doors that are higher than 500 mm must be equipped with at least three bolts.
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20.5.
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When the door is closed, the opening between the door and the frame may not be more than 1 mm.
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20.6.
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The safe must be fitted with-
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| 20.6.1. |
a lever lock with at least seven levers, three of which must be provided with false notches; or |
| 20.6.2. |
a combination lock with three gears; or |
| 20.6.3. |
an electronic lock that meets SABS standards. |
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20.7.
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The safe must be fitted flush with the wall or floor of a building or to an immovable structure. It is advisable to fit the safe to both wall and floor, if possible. It is advisable to use only recommended fasteners such as Rawl bolts or similar fasteners. Plastic fasteners may not be used.
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20.8.
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If a safe is fitted in a vehicle, it must be attached to the body of the vehicle where it is not visible from the outside. The owner must keep the following information:
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| 20.8.1. |
The date of installation |
| 20.8.2. |
The name and address of the person who installed the safe |
| 20.8.3. |
The registration number, engine and chassis numbers and make of vehicle |
| 20.8.4. |
Proof that the vehicle is equipped with an immobilizer |
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21.
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THE BORROWING OF FIREARMS
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21.1
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Section 8(1) of the Arms and Ammunition Act, 1969 (Act No 75 of 1969), regulates the use of a firearm belonging to another person.
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21.2
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The provisions stipulate that:
Only a person who is licensed to possess a firearm, may use the firearm of another licensed firearm owner and only under the following conditions:
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| 21.2.1. |
He/she must have written permission to use the firearm of a licensed firearm owner. |
| 21.2.2. |
He/she must be on the property belonging to or legally occupied by the person who gives him/her permission to use the firearm. |
| 21.2.3. |
The written permission must stipulate the period of time for which the firearm may be used and must contain sufficient details of the firearm. |
| 21.2.4. |
The person who uses the firearm may not transport the firearm to and from the place where it is intended to be used. |
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