In less than a week, two firearms were stolen from gun owners in Despatch and Uitenhage.

“Every firearm owner is responsible for the safekeeping of his or her firearm. If a firearm is lost or stolen, the police must by law investigate charges of negligence against the owner of the firearm,” said police spokesperson Lt.Col. Priscilla Naidu.

Apart from criminal charges, the owner may also be declared unfit to possess a firearm. Every firearm must be stored in a safe when it is not carried on your person.

“In Despatch a vehicle was stolen last Thursday while the owner was attending a rugby match. His firearm was locked in the cubbyhole of the vehicle. Cubbyholes, steel trunks and cupboards are not regarded as safe storage spaces.”

Last Sunday, a house was broken into in Uitenhage and the intruders managed to gain access to the safe. The safe was opened and a firearm and other valuable pieces of jewellery were stolen.

“An appeal is made to firearm owners to be more careful and let us not allow or give criminals an opportunity to terrorise law abiding citizens. Negligence and irresponsibility are the result of crimes committed through illegally owned firearms,” said Lt.Col. Naidu.