Possession of a weapon

If you do not hold a weapons licence and you possess a weapon requiring you to do so, you may be charged with possessing a weapon illegally.

Which Court will hear the matter?

The quantity and category of the weapon you possessed will determine which Court will hear your matter. More minor charges will be dealt with in the Magistrates Court.

What is the maximum penalty?

The maximum penalty applicable is also dependant on the category and quantity of the weapon. Penalties can range from a fine to an actual period of imprisonment.

Some weapons offences carry with them mandatory periods of imprisonment. If you use or possess a weapon in one of the following situations, you will have to serve an actual period of imprisonment:-

1. Supplying a weapon to another person

2. Using a weapon to commit an indictable offence.

3. Possession of a short firearm in a public place.

Storage offences

If you hold a weapons licence and possess weapons, you are required to ensure that they are kept in a secure location. You must ensure that they are kept in a secure storage facility at the registered address for the weapon.

Storage requirements differ, depending on your weapons licence.

Which Court will hear the matter?

Storage offences are dealt with in the Magistrates Court

What is the maximum penalty?

The maximum penalty is two years imprisonment.

Unregistered firearms

If you possess unregistered firearms, you may be charged with an offence. Each firearm that you possess, must be registered.

Which Court will hear the matter?

Offences for possessing unregistered firearms are dealt with in the Magistrates Court

What is the maximum penalty?

The maximum penalty is a fine.