Firearm Law

HFG Attorneys Inc is a leading niche law firm specialising in Firearm Law and Firearm Criminal Defence, with a well-established, skilled, and experienced team of gun law experts to assist our clients with various types of firearm related services.

Firearm Law Attorneys & Firearm Licence Application Lawyers in Cape Town, Paarl & Surrounds

Find out how we can be of service to you.

Firearm Law Criminal Defence:

Assistance at Police Station when arrested for any Firearm Law related matter by SAPS.
After-hour-, and court-based bail applications regarding Firearm Law related matters.
Criminal trial representation and assistance with the investigation process.
Negotiations and liaison with the South African Police Services and the National Prosecuting Authority.

In the following types of criminal matters:

Negligent loss of a firearm in terms of section 120(8) of the Act.
Pointing of a firearm.
Illegal possession of a firearm and/or ammunition.
Assault, Assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, Culpable Homicide, Attempted murder and Murder;
Any other offence listed in section 120 of the Firearms Control Act, Act 60 of 2000.

Drafting and Compiling of:

SAPS Competency Certificate Applications.
SAPS Firearm Licence Applications, which includes the motivation, supporting letters and documents.
SAPS Applications for business licences.
Applications for import and exports permits and transporters permits.
Applications for temporary authorisation to possess a firearm.
Accreditation for business purposes.
Appeals against decisions made by SAPS.

General Legal Services

Assisting our clients with the administrative proceedings in terms of section 102 of the Firearms Control Act, where SAPS attempts to declare you unfit to possess a firearm.
Civil litigation and claims against SAPS or other state departments as a result of illegal arrests, detention, and prosecution.
Applications in terms of the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act and the Promotion of Access to Information Act.
Drafting of legal opinions regarding complex legal questions and matters in terms of the Act.
Administration of deceased estate firearms.
Assisting attorneys and law firms with consulting legal services, advice, and administration regarding firearm related matters.

ACCREDITATION FOR BUSINESS PURPOSES FOR

Hunting association, Sports-shooting organisation and Collectors association
Public collectors
Museums
Shooting ranges
Training providers in the use of firearms
Provide firearms for use in theatrical, film or television productions
Game ranchers
Conduct business in hunting as Professional Hunters
Other business purposes (several different options depending on the main object of the business, such as in-house security, anti-poaching, etc.)

As a top niche Firearm Law Firms and renowned firearm license application lawyers in Cape Town, Paarl and surrounds, we serve clients in the following areas:

Paarl, Wellington, Malmesbury, Boschenmeer Golf Estate, Val de Vie Winelands Lifestyle Estate, Pearl Valley Golf Estate and Spa, Darling, Worcester, Franschhoek, Klapmuts, Stellenbosch, Strand, Somerset West, Belville, Durbanville, Kraaifontein, Parow, Century City, Cape Town, Claremont, Hout Bay, Table View, Milnerton, Bloubergstrand, Melkbostrand, Atlantis and many more through our online consultation facility’s.

Our team consists of experienced firearm law attorneys ready to be of service to you.

What is Firearm Law?

Firearm Law entails any legal aspect arising from the administration and enforcement of the Firearms Control Act, Act 60 of 2000, by the state through the South African Police Services and the National Prosecution Authority. Law firms and attorneys specialising in this area of the law are quite rare as this is a highly specialised area of the law.

When to Consult a Lawyer about Firearm Law?

Should you be arrested, not satisfied about a decision taken by SAPS, or suffered damages as a result of the conduct of a state department, it is always advisable to contact your attorney that specialise in Firearm Law near you for a legal opinion. Decisions by state organs can be appealed, reviewed, and even set aside by a court having jurisdiction.

What to Know Before Consulting a Firearm Law Attorney

We can also assist with cases related to General Litigation, Family Law and Criminal Defence.

Frequently asked questions:

What are the new gun laws in South Africa?

Currently, the firearm industry is regulated by the Firearms Control Act, Act 60 of 2000, with its applicable regulations thereto. Recently, government published a proposed amendment to the act for public comment, which was met with hefty resistance from the members of the firearm fraternity in South Africa.

How long does it take for firearm competency to be approved?

SAPS is supposed to have your application for competency to own a firearm approved within 90 days from date of submitting the application at your local designated firearm officer. Unfortunately, due to a crumbling firearm administration system, and with the recent influx of amnesty application, an application can take anything from 3 months to 12 months. In some instances, applicants waited for almost 2 years before being processed.

How much does it cost to get a firearm license in South Africa?

The estimated fees and cost of a firearm licence can be calculated as follows:

1. Your proficiency training. Estimated cost will be influenced by the training provider and the types of firearm training you require.

2. Cost of drafting your SAPS Competency application, and the fees payable at the police station in the amount of R 70-00.

3. Once you have your competency certificate, and after you purchased your firearm, you can apply for the firearm licence.

4. Lastly will be the cost for drafting and compiling your firearm application, with the supporting motivation and letters, plus the cost of fees payable at the police station in the amount of R 140-00.

How long is a firearm competency certificate valid for in South Africa?

Your Firearm Competency Certificate for a handgun is valid for the same period of validity as your firearm licence. That means that a handgun competency is valid for a period of 5 years if licensed under section 13 of the act, and 10 years for a handgun, rifle, shotgun, and self-loading rifle licenced under section 15 and 16 of the Firearms Control Act.

How long does it take to get a gun license?

SAPS is supposed to have your firearm licence application approved within 90 days from date of submitting the application at your local designated firearm officer. Unfortunately, due to a crumbling firearm administration system, and with the recent influx of amnesty applications, an application can take anything from 3 months to 12 months. There have also been some instances where applicants waited for almost 2 years before receiving their licence.