Pretoria — Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula says people in possession of illegal firearms and ammunition have until the end of this month to hand these to the police.

The amnesty that entails indemnity against prosecution for possessing firearms and ammunition illegally commenced 1 January and will end on 31 March.

The Minister said there had since been a steady flow of firearms and ammunition handed in at police stations across the country.

In this regard, about 5 395 illegal guns had been confiscated, 2 787 found and 7 881 were brought to the police voluntarily.

A total of 305 592 ammunition was destroyed, with 67 219 confiscated, 56 386 illegal and 181 987 brought voluntarily.

Mr Nqakula said immediately after the amnesty the police would intensify their operations in recovering illegal firearms and ammunition.

"Institutions and individuals found in possession of such firearms or ammunition would be dealt with harshly in terms of the law," he said.

Surrendered firearms and ammunition will be processed by designated police officials at the respective police stations and disposed of.