MEDIA STATEMENT: IMPROVEMENTS AT CENTRAL FIREARMS REGISTER WELCOMED, BUT COMMITTEE URGES PUBLIC WORKS TO CONCLUDE MOVE TO TELKOM TOWERS
The Portfolio Committee on Police unanimously agreed that there is marked improvement in general conditions and document filing at the Central Firearms Register (CFR) in comparison with the committee’s first visit in May 2021. The committee yesterday concluded a two-day oversight visit to Kimberley and Tshwane to assess various challenges.
The committee acknowledged that South African Police Service (SAPS) senior management had accepted the committee’s recommendations made during its first visit and implemented strategies to remedy some of the challenges identified. High on the list of the committee’s recommendations was a plan to remedy challenges preventing the finalisation of firearm license applications. In line with this, the committee was informed that for the 2022/23 financial year, the backlog in new firearm licence applications exceeding the prescribed 120 working days deadline has been reduced by 79.44%. Currently 3 221 applications remain out of 15 677 at the end of the 2021/22 financial year.
To achieve this, the SAPS ring-fenced R30 million to improve and expedite the finalisation of firearms license applications and related processes. The committee will continue to receive periodic reports on the progress in reducing the backlog.
Meanwhile, the committee reiterated its call for the SAPS to apply to take over infrastructure maintenance and development from the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) due to continuous delays in maintenance and infrastructure development within the police portfolio. Nonetheless, the committee also called on the DPWI to fast-track the repairs and renovation necessary for the CFR to move into the Telkom Towers. The committee welcome the assurance that the Annexe building will be ready for occupation by October 2023 and will require regular updates to monitor progress.
The committee also welcomed the interim measures considered to store finalised applications and move those that are currently stacked in corridors at the Veritas building. However, the committee urged SAPS and the State Information Technology Agency to find solutions to challenges experienced in the procurement of the new firearms control system, which will enable electronic capturing and digitisation of firearms applications. The committee remains of the view that the paper-based system is outdated and can lead to misplacement of certain documents, thereby delaying applications.
Meanwhile, the committee visited the Pretoria West Training Academy and interacted with some trainees among the second batch of 10 000 recruits announced by the President in efforts to increase the number of SAPS personnel on the streets. The committee commended the information that their processes have been strengthened to prevent any irregularity with regard to the recruitment process.
In addition, the committee reiterated its concern that the preference for males over females remains and called on the SAPS to gradually move towards ensuring gender parity in its recruitment processes. The committee has committed to continue advocating for more budget to enable further recruitment of additional SAPS members.
Source: Parliament of South Africa