Cape Town – The South African Police Service (SAPS) has raised concerns over a viral social media video showing women allegedly handling and cocking firearms inside a house, warning that the reckless use of firearms poses a danger to the public.
In a statement released on social media, SAPS said it had “noted with serious concern a video circulating on social media depicting women allegedly handling and cocking firearms inside a house.”
Police said the individuals seen in the footage appeared to lack the necessary training or legal authorisation to handle firearms.
“From the video, it appears that the women may not be properly trained or authorised to handle firearms,” SAPS said.
The police warned that the misuse of firearms could have serious legal consequences under the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.
“SAPS therefore warns that the reckless handling and misuse of firearms pose a serious danger to both the individuals involved and members of the public,” the statement read.
According to SAPS, any individual handling or using a firearm must be legally authorised and, where required, possess a valid firearm licence or permit.
“In terms of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000, any person handling or using a firearm must be legally authorised to do so and must be in possession of a valid firearm licence or permit where applicable,” police said.
The statement further stressed that firearm owners have a responsibility to ensure their weapons are not accessed by unlicensed or incompetent individuals.
“Firearm owners also have a legal responsibility to ensure that their firearms are not accessed or used by individuals who do not possess the necessary competency certificates or firearm licences,” SAPS added.
Police cautioned that registered firearm owners could face criminal charges if they allow unauthorised persons access to their weapons.
Toy guns or blank guns
“The registered owner of a firearm may face criminal charges if found to have allowed unauthorised persons access to the firearm,” the statement said.
SAPS also noted that even imitation firearms, toy guns or blank guns could lead to legal consequences if used in a manner that causes fear or intimidation.
“The implications may also be significant where the object involved is a toy gun, imitation firearm, or blank gun, particularly if it is used in a manner that creates fear, intimidation, or the reasonable perception that it is a real firearm,” police warned.
The police service urged the public to treat firearms responsibly and avoid using them for entertainment or social media content.
“SAPS wishes to remind members of the public that firearms are not toys and should never be used recklessly, displayed irresponsibly, or handled for entertainment purposes, including for social media content,” the statement concluded.
Members of the public were encouraged to report illegal possession or misuse of firearms to their nearest police station or anonymously through the Crime Stop hotline on 08600 10111.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
