The South African Police Service has issued a warning following a viral video showing women mishandling firearms.
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The South African Police Service (SAPS) has raised alarm over a viral social media video showing women allegedly recklessly handling firearms inside a house, warning that the irresponsible use of guns could lead to criminal charges and pose a danger to the public.
In a statement released on Friday, SAPS said the footage had caused “serious concern.”, particularly as the women seen in the video appeared not to be properly trained or authorised to handle firearms.
In the video the women are seen cocking the firearms and pointing them at each other.
Police cautioned that the careless handling and misuse of firearms remains a serious public safety risk and reminded South Africans that strict laws govern firearm ownership and use.
“In terms of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000, any person handling or using a firearm must be legally authorised to do so and must be in possession of a valid firearm licence or permit where applicable,” SAPS said.
The police also warned firearm owners that they could face criminal charges if they allow unauthorised individuals access to their weapons.
“Firearm owners have a legal responsibility to ensure that their firearms are not accessed or used by individuals who do not possess the necessary competency certificates or firearm licences,” the statement read.
SAPS further noted that even if the objects seen in the video were toy guns, imitation firearms, or blank guns, there could still be legal implications if they were used in a way that created fear, intimidation, or the perception that they were real firearms.
The police stressed that firearms should never be treated as props for entertainment or social media content.
“Firearms are not toys and should never be used recklessly, displayed irresponsibly, or handled for entertainment purposes, including for social media content,” SAPS said.
Members of the public have been urged to report any illegal possession, misuse, or reckless handling of firearms to their nearest police station or anonymously through the Crime Stop hotline on 08600 10111.
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