More than one million South African firearm owners who have not yet re-applied for their licences were given a temporary reprieve by the High Court in Pretoria on Friday.

Judge Bill Prinsloo granted an interim interdict to the SA Hunters and Game Conservation Association, declaring that firearm licences obtained under the old Arms and Ammunition Act would be deemed valid for the time being.

The interim order would remain in effect pending the final outcome of the association's application to have certain sections of the new Firearms Control Act declared unconstitutional.

The association contended that Schedule 1 of the new Act, which dealt with transitional arrangements, was unreasonable, infringed on the rights of firearm owners and was unconstitutional.

It also maintained that the SA Police Service was unable to cope with the flood of licence applications and firearms being handed in for destruction.

The deadline for either re-applying or handing in firearms was 30 June.

Freedom Front Plus spokesman Pieter Groenewald welcomed the ruling.

"However, the police on the ground will have to be informed of the ruling because otherwise unlawful arrests might be made that could cost the tax payer money," said Groenewald.

Sapa

Week in Quotes The ANC has no interest in porn; the JSC is impartial; and the SABC wants public thanks...

The iafrica.com debate Should politicians be entitled to excessive luxury? Ebrahim Moolla takes on Rebekah Kendal...

Quirky & Bizarre Do you need a laugh? Then check out our offbeat stories from around the world...