The Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa today named Ms Soraya Hassim, SC and Advocate Rams Ramashia to head an inquiry that will investigate practices of certain unscrupulous firearms dealers, who are not complying with the provisions of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000). 

Ms Hassim obtained a BA degree in 1987 and an LLB degree in 1990, both from University of the Witwatersrand.    She completed articles of clerkship in 1993 after which she was admitted as an Attorney and practiced as such for a year.  She commenced pupilage at the Johannesburg Bar in March 1994 and was admitted as an Advocate in April 1994. 

She became a member of the Pretoria Society of Advocates in July 1994 and remained a member thereof and took silk in December 2011.  She has acted as a Judge on
about seven occasions.  She currently practices focusing on administrative law, dealing among other things with litigation concerning compliance and regulatory matters, constitutional law, public interest law, commercial law and insolvency law. 

Adv Ramashia also brings wealth of legal experience having represented the Ministry of Police in various litigations matters including matters relating to Firearms Applications as well as acted in various matters as briefed by the State Attorneys’ office to provide legal opinions.

His academic qualifications include B.JURIS, LLB and LLM obtained from Wits University.  He was admitted as Advocate of the High Court in 1994.  He currently serves as a member of the Pretoria Bar of Advocates (serving in the admission committee, HR committee, human rights committee and transformation committee).  He is a former Director-General of the Department of Labour, former Chairman of BP Southern Africa and Regional President of BP Africa.

Ms Hassim and Adv Ramashia will be assisted by various counsels in their investigations and are expected to commence their duties within the next weeks.  The Minister has given them six weeks to complete this investigation. 

The investigation will result in a written report to the Minister that incorporates findings as well as recommendations.

Zweli Mnisi
Chief Director: Communications/Spokesperson
Ministry of Police
Republic of South Africa
Tel: +27 (0)12 393 4341 & +27 (0)21 467 7007
Fax: +27 (0)12 393 2833 & +27 (0)21 467 7033
Mobile: +27 (0)82 045 4024


Website: www.saps.gov.za