Firearm Licences : Self Defense
Self-defence on it's own, is not reason enough to relicense handguns
The SA Police Services has provided hard and clear guidance with regard to the licensing or renewal of licences of a handgun or shotgun for self defence. It will be considered only if the applicant can emphatically show that a handgun for self defence is the method of last resort.This means that the applicant must show that all other reasonable steps have been taken to ensure the household safety and security. Details of location of the residence, the distance to the nearest police station, the incidence of burglaries or home attacks, etc. must be provided. Information such as place of work, need to travel in high risk areas and the carrying of amounts of cash will also be considered.
Self-defence as motivation for renewing the licence of a pistol or revolver is tenuous. If you can show that you use it from time to time for sport shooting such as target shooting or practical shooting ? either as an occasional or as a dedicated leisure activity ? it will be a better motivation for renewal.
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