A refusal costs you months. The good news is that most refusals are avoidable. These are the reasons that come up again and again.
Your motivation
- A copied or template motivation. SAPS assessors recognise template letters. Write about your life, in your own words.
- Vague reasons. "I need it for protection" or quoting crime statistics isn't enough. Explain your specific situation: where you live, how you travel, what has happened to you or near you.
- No evidence. Back up what you say: case numbers, letters, proof of hunting access, club membership, competition results.
- The firearm doesn't fit the purpose. Explain why this firearm and calibre suit what you'll use it for. A hunting rifle needs a calibre suited to the game you hunt.
- A duplicate calibre with no explanation. If you already own a firearm in the same calibre, explain clearly why you need another one.
Your application
- The wrong license section. Applying under Section 13 when your need is sport shooting (or the other way round) is a common, avoidable mistake.
- Missing or wrong documents. Missing certified copies, unsigned pages, wrong serial numbers. Check every page against the firearm and the checklist in LicenseWatch.
- Competency problems. Your competency certificate must cover the type of firearm (handgun, rifle, shotgun…) and must be valid.
- No dedicated status proof (Section 16). Attach your dedicated status certificate and proof that you're active.
- No proper safe. You need an SABS 953-1 safe, bolted down. Describe it honestly.
About you
- Not disclosing something. Leaving out a conviction, a protection order or a past refusal is worse than declaring it. If it's found later, it can sink everything.
- A history of violence. Domestic violence, protection orders and certain convictions can disqualify you. If you have any history, get advice before you apply.
If you are refused
You should get the reasons in writing. You can appeal to the Firearms Appeal Board, generally within 90 days. Your appeal must deal with each reason and can include extra evidence. Speak to your association or Firearms Guardian straight away. The deadline is strict.