Citation(s) from the GunPolicy.org literature library
Pefole, Katleho. 2004 ‘Procedures for Obtaining a Firearm Licence.’ Hide and Seek: Taking Account of Small Arms in Southern Africa, p. 67. Pretoria: Institute for Security Studies. 1 October
Relevant contents
Application procedures for firearm licences start at the local level. A person who wants to apply for a firearm licence requires a letter of reference from the village chief or headman that both authenticates citizenship and supports the application written by the individual. The reference letter is sent to the local police station to receive an official stamp. It is then sent to the district police office and then on to Maseru. The Maseru office then hands over the letter to the National Security Services for a background check on the applicant. Once the background check is completed, information is sent to the Firearms Unit for presentation to the Firearms Board. The Firearms Unit looks at the application letter, the recommendation of the chief or village headman, and the background check, to determine whether an individual is eligible for a firearm.
The Firearms Board relies on information, including background checks, from the National Security Services (NSS), as the basis for making decisions. Factors that are taken into account when a firearm licence application is considered, include: record of previous offences - especially those related to firearms; proof of ownership of property; the reasons for the application; and supporting reference letters from a chief or village headman attesting to both character of applicant and ownership of property.
Last accessed at:
http://www.issafrica.org/pubs/Books/Hide+Seek/Contents.htm