Acting Police Chief warns: No gun licence for abusers

Any person who is currently in possession of a Firearm User’s Licence (FUL) and is convicted of domestic violence, will have his/her licence  revoked immediately and the firearm seized. The person may re-apply after five years. Acting Police Commissioner Trevor Paul yesterday told members of the media at a press briefing held at Police Headquarters that the police have now set up a database to record reports of domestic violence. He added that anyone who applies for a gun licence will be thoroughly investigated. If he/she is reported to the police by a victim, the applicant will not qualify for a licence.

Any application forwarded to the commissioner will also be investigated by a sergeant at a police station nearest to the applicant, and his/her spouse will be interviewed by that officer. Under the Firearms Amendment Act, 2004, which was proclaimed in May 2004, persons applying for a Firearm User’s Licence will first have to seek a provisional licence. That training should not take more than two months. No person under the age of 25 will qualify for a  licence under the amended act. If  an applicant obtains a licence, then it will be valid for three years only. Under the old act, the licence was granted for an indefinite period. A renewal will cost the applicant $250.