South Africa –-(Ammoland.com)- As there will be a lot of ‘court activity’ or ‘legislative discussions’ during 2012, we take this early opportunity to update you on the current status of various cases awaiting court hearing.
There are currently three court cases involving firearm associations:
- SA Hunters & Game Conservation Association (SAHGCA) in which SAGA (firearms rights), NAACCSA (firearms collectors) and PHASA (professional hunters) are intervening and amicus parties;
- SAGA (in which SAHGCA is an intervening party); and
- TAU/Afriforum.
In the SAHGCA case, an interim court order has already been granted, which caused all old-Act licenses to remain valid until new transitional arrangements could be made by the authorities. Two and a half years after the interim order was granted, the police have still not filed any opposing affidavit but have now been called upon to do so by SAHGCA on or before 7 February 2012. In the meantime SAHGCA has filed an application for the consolidation of all three cases.
Although there appeared to have been merit in the application, SAGA was of the view that this was not the best way forward and intended to oppose the application.
It was agreed to negotiate first and, after a number of very productive meetings between the parties’ lawyers, it was agreed that SAHGCA would request an indefinite postponement of their consolidation application. NAACCSA agreed with this approach. It was decided that the first two cases will proceed post-haste and we hope that they will be heard together.
It is our view that the TAU/Afriforum case should proceed separately at a later date.
SAHGCA, SAGA and NAACCSA have spent considerable resources (financial and otherwise) on litigation, and will continue to do so for as long as the threat of disarmament continues and if the police do not execute their functions in accordance with the law.
This concise summary is a lightly edited version of a circular prepared for PAAA members last month.
SA Gunowners’ Association (SAGA)PO Box 35203
Northway
4065 Tel 031-562-9951
Fax 086-553-9615
Email: [email protected]
About South African Gunowners’ Association:
The South African Gunowners’ Association (SAGA) is a non-profit, non-discriminatory organization, whose sole purpose is to represent the interests of all people who embrace the principles of safe and responsible ownership and usage of firearms for sport, recreation, hunting and self-defense. Visit: www.saga.org.za
