Question NW1395 to the Minister of Police
26 October 2021 - NW1395
Groenewald, Dr PJ to ask the Minister of Police
(1). Whether data is still being recorded manually at the Central Firearms Registry (CFR); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the reasons for this;
Reply:
(1) Data is being recorded electronically, on the Enhanced Firearm Registration System (EFRS), at the Central Firearms Register (CFR).
(2)(a) The total amount spent on the EFRS, since its inception, in 2000/2001 to date, is R103 431 342,00.
(2)(b) The above amount has been spent on annual system support, as well as the maintenance and enhancements performed on the system through the SAPS/ State information Technology Agency (SITA) Service Level Agreement, over a period of 21 years.
(3) Since the system built is based on old technology, it lacks the capability to provide efficient support to smart modem information Technology (IT) processes, such as electronic connectivity with external stakeholders and workflow capability, to reduce the paper-based processing of firearm licence applications. Not all processes, as required by the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000) and its Regulations, are supported by the EFRS.
The EFRS is slow and sometimes not available at the CFR, due to challenge6 with network infrastructure to and in the building where the CFR is located.
(4)(a) Ad hoc reports from the EFRS, are available for gun owners.
(4)(b) Similarly, ad hoc reports from the EFRS, are available for guns owned.
(4)(c) The reasons for gun ownership are available, as part of the report related to gun owners.
(5) The Minister of Police will decide whether to make a statement, in this regard. '
Reply to question 1395 recommended
GENERAL NATIONAL COMMISSIONER: SOUTH AFRICAN POLICDE SERVICE
KJ SITOLE (SOEG)
Date: 2021-06-04
Reply to question 1395 approved
MINISTER OF POLICE
GENERAL BH CELE, MP
Date: 25-10-2021