1. Introduction
Welcome to our app and website. These Terms govern your use of the GunStatus apps for iPhone (iOS) and Android and the GunStatus.co.za platform. By using our service, you agree to these terms. If you do not agree, please do not use the service.
2. Description of Service
GunStatus.co.za is an independent service that provides:
- Firearm licence and competency application status checks against South African SAPS online enquiry flows, with updates when checks run (not a continuous real-time feed)
- Integration with the official SAPS Firearms Online Enquiry system
- Local application / search history for your convenience (iPhone free tier: rolling cap, see §4.1; Premium, trial and the Android app: unlimited on device subject to storage, see §4.2)
- A shooting log: record sessions per firearm, notes, photos, and PDF export/share from your device
- Background status monitoring (Premium / trial where applicable)
- Push notifications for status changes (Premium / trial where applicable)
- Renewal alerts based on expiry dates you enter (Premium / trial where applicable)
- Optional backup of app data to your own iCloud (iPhone) or Google account (Android) when enabled on your device; on iPhone, Premium is marketed for the full cross-device experience
- Mobile-optimized interface for easy access
3. User Responsibilities
3.1 Accurate Information
- Provide valid firearm reference numbers
- Provide accurate serial numbers when applicable
- Maintain current notification preferences
- Ensure your device can receive push notifications if you use monitoring features
3.2 Lawful Use
- Use the service only for lawful purposes
- Do not attempt unauthorized access to our systems
- Do not interfere with or disrupt the service or servers
- Do not use automated systems to access the service excessively
- Do not share false or misleading information
- Do not use the service to harm others or violate their rights
4. Free and Premium Services
4.1 Free Tier
- ✅ Manual SAPS status checks
- ✅ Application / search history stored locally (on iPhone, currently up to 50 recent items in a rolling list for the free tier; there is no fixed cap on Android)
- ✅ Add up to 2 firearms to "My Firearms"
- ✅ Shooting log with limited saved sessions, photos per session, and PDF export (see app for current free caps)
- ❌ No automatic background monitoring
- ❌ No automatic push notifications for SAPS status changes
- ❌ No renewal reminder notifications
4.2 Premium Subscription
- ✅ Unlimited SAPS status checks (subject to fair use and SAPS availability)
- ✅ Unlimited application / search history on your device for Premium and trial (no artificial cap beyond practical device storage); if you downgrade to free on iPhone, the list trims to the current free-tier rolling cap (currently 50 items, newest first)
- ✅ Unlimited firearm entries in the app
- ✅ Automatic background status monitoring (where available)
- ✅ Push notifications for status changes (where available)
- ✅ Renewal alerts (reminders at 7 months, 6 months, about 4 months, about 1 month and 2 weeks before expiry), based on licence dates you enter
- ✅ Full cross-device / backup experience via iCloud on iPhone when iCloud is enabled—Premium is the tier we market for this. On Android, backup to your own Google account uses Android’s built-in backup and is not limited to Premium
- ✅ Unlimited (or highest-tier) shooting sessions, photos per session, and PDF export options, subject to device storage
- ✅ Enhanced photo documentation for firearms and sessions compared to free-tier limits
- ✅ Customer support via email
4.3 Free Trial
New users may receive a 7-day free trial with access to Premium features where offered. No subscription charge during the trial period. Apple’s or Google Play’s subscription flow and regional rules still apply (for example how trials and billing are presented in the App Store or Google Play), and Google Play decides which Google accounts are eligible for a free trial.
4.4 Subscription Terms
Monthly Plan: R29.99 per month, billed monthly, 7-day free trial for new users where eligible
Annual Plan: R249.99 per year, billed annually, 7-day free trial where eligible, save about 30% compared to twelve months of monthly billing
4.5 Payment and Billing
- Subscriptions processed via the Apple App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android)
- Payment charged to your Apple ID account (iPhone) or your Google Play payment method (Android)
- Auto-renewal unless cancelled at least 24 hours prior to period end
- Manage or cancel your subscription in Apple ID Account Settings (iPhone) or in Google Play under Payments & subscriptions (Android)
4.6 Cancellation and Refunds
- Cancel at any time through Apple ID Account Settings (iPhone) or Google Play (Android)
- Cancellation takes effect at the end of current billing period
- No refunds for unused portions except as required by law or Apple or Google Play policy
- Refunds are handled by Apple or Google Play and are subject to their policies
4.7 Android Beta Testing and Promotional Codes
- Beta versions of the Android app may contain errors and are provided "as is" for testing.
- Promotional codes are personal, single-use and not transferable, and may be limited to South Africa.
- Google Play controls how promotional codes and free trials work, including any payment details it asks for and what happens when the free period ends. You can cancel at any time in Google Play.
- Beta sign-up details are handled as described in the Privacy Policy.
5. Background Monitoring Service
5.1 How It Works
When you enable background monitoring for a firearm application (Premium / trial where applicable):
- Your firearm reference number and serial number (when applicable) may be stored on our secure servers
- Monitoring is coordinated between your device, our backend (where used), SAPS enquiry endpoints, and the push service of your platform (Apple Push Notification Service on iPhone, Firebase Cloud Messaging on Android)—subject to iOS or Android scheduling and network conditions
- You may receive push notifications when your status changes
5.2 Service Limitations
Background monitoring is subject to:
- iPhone and Android system limitations on background task execution
- Device battery level and power settings
- Network connectivity
- SAPS website availability
- Apple Push Notification Service and Firebase Cloud Messaging availability
We do NOT guarantee:
- Instant notifications (delays may occur)
- Checks at exact intervals (iOS, Android and system factors control scheduling)
- 100% delivery of all notifications
- Service availability during SAPS website maintenance or downtime
5.3 Best Effort Service
Background monitoring operates on a "best effort" basis. While we strive for reliable service, notifications may be delayed or missed due to factors beyond our control. You are responsible for checking your application status through official SAPS channels for critical updates.
5.4 Data Removal
When you stop monitoring an application or we remove associated server data, reference and serial fields held for that monitoring relationship are deleted from our servers in line with our Privacy Policy.
6. Service Availability
We cannot guarantee 100% uptime. Temporary downtime may occur due to:
- SAPS website maintenance or downtime
- Network connectivity issues
- System maintenance and updates
- Force majeure events
- Technical difficulties
- Apple Push Notification Service or Firebase Cloud Messaging issues
We are not liable for:
- Missed notifications due to service interruptions
- Delays in status updates from SAPS
- Incorrect information provided by SAPS systems
7. Data and Privacy
We process only the information necessary to provide the service. In summary:
- Locally stored: Most data (application history, firearm records, shooting log) remains on your device
- Cloud backup: When iCloud (iPhone) or Android backup (Android) is enabled, selected app data may be backed up to your own iCloud or Google account—see the Privacy Policy
- Server stored: Limited categories for monitoring and operations (for example reference, serial, tokens, status metadata, and related events as described in the Privacy Policy §4.3)
- Never stored on our servers: names, addresses, or contact details as described in the Privacy Policy
The Privacy Policy is incorporated by reference and governs details of processing, retention, security, and your rights.
8. Intellectual Property
All content and features are owned by GunStatus.co.za. You may not copy, modify, distribute, reverse engineer, or remove copyright notices without permission.
9. Limitation of Liability
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW:
- We are not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
- We are not liable for loss of data, profits, or goodwill
- We are not liable for missed notifications or delayed status updates
- We are not liable for decisions made based on information from our service
- We are not liable for firearm licence denials, suspensions, or cancellations
- Our total liability is limited to the amount you paid in the last 12 months
You must verify critical information with SAPS or your Designated Firearms Officer (DFO).
10. Indemnification
You agree to hold harmless GunStatus.co.za and affiliates for claims arising from:
- Your violation of these Terms
- Your use of the service
- Your infringement of any third-party rights
- Your failure to maintain valid firearm licences
- Reliance on notifications instead of official SAPS communications
11. Termination
11.1 By Us
We may terminate or suspend your access for:
- Breach of these Terms
- Fraudulent activity
- Abuse of the service
- Non-payment (premium users)
- Violation of applicable laws
11.2 By You
You may terminate at any time by:
- Cancelling your subscription (Apple ID Account Settings on iPhone, Google Play on Android)
- Deleting the app
- Contacting info@gunstatus.co.za to request data deletion
11.3 Effect of Termination
Upon termination:
- Your right to use Premium features ends in line with Apple or Google Play subscription terms
- Subscription fees are not refunded except as required by law or Apple or Google Play policy
- Server-stored monitoring data is handled as described in the Privacy Policy
- Local data and your own cloud backup (iCloud or Google account) remain until you delete them
12. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Disputes fall under South African courts.
13. Changes to Terms
We may update these Terms from time to time. Material changes will include:
- An updated "Last Updated" date at the top
- Publication at https://gunstatus.co.za/terms-of-service/
- Reasonable notice for material changes where practicable
- In-app or website notification for significant changes where practicable
Your continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.
14. Disclaimers
14.1 No Warranty
Service provided "as is" without warranties of:
- Merchantability
- Fitness for a particular purpose
- Non-infringement
- Accuracy or completeness of information
- Uninterrupted or error-free operation
14.2 No Legal or Professional Advice
GunStatus is for informational purposes only. It does not provide legal, professional, or compliance advice. Consult qualified professionals for:
- Legal compliance matters
- Firearm licensing questions
- Renewal procedures
- Regulatory requirements
14.3 No Affiliation with SAPS
GunStatus is an independent service, not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to SAPS or any government department. We provide unofficial status tracking only.
14.4 No Guarantee of Notifications
We do not guarantee delivery, timing, or accuracy of push notifications. Background monitoring depends on multiple factors beyond our control, including iOS and Android limitations, device settings, and SAPS website availability.
Renewal reminders are provided for convenience only. You remain responsible for lodging your renewal application at least 90 days before your licence expires, as required by the Firearms Control Act, and for confirming requirements with SAPS or your Designated Firearms Officer.
15. App Stores (Apple App Store and Google Play)
If you access GunStatus through the Apple App Store:
- These Terms are between you and GunStatus.co.za, not Apple
- Apple has no obligation to provide support or maintenance
- Apple is not responsible for the app or its content
- Apple is not liable for any claims related to the app
- You must comply with Apple's App Store Terms of Service
- Apple is a third-party beneficiary of these Terms
If you access GunStatus through Google Play:
- These Terms are between you and GunStatus.co.za, not Google
- Purchases, subscriptions, free trials and refunds on Android are handled by Google Play and are subject to the Google Play Terms of Service
- Google is not responsible for the app or its content, and is not liable for claims related to the app
- You must comply with the Google Play Terms of Service
16. Contact Information
GunStatus.co.za
📧 Email: info@gunstatus.co.za
🌐 Website: https://gunstatus.co.za
📍 Country: South Africa
If you have questions about these Terms, contact us.
17. POPIA Compliance
These Terms demonstrate our commitment to the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and data privacy standards. For data handling details, see our Privacy Policy.
18. Severability
If any provision is invalid or unenforceable, remaining provisions continue in full force. The invalid provision will be replaced with a valid one matching the original intent.
19. Entire Agreement
These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement regarding the use of the service. They supersede all prior agreements, understandings, or representations.