12.     Restriction on manufacture of arms and ammunition

            (1) Subject to the provisions of this section, no person shall manufacture any arms or ammunition except under and in accordance with a manufacturer's licence issued under this section.

            (2) Regulations may provide for the issue and renewal of a manufacturer's licence, the conditions and duration of the licence, and any fee payable for the issue of the licence.

            (3) For the purposes of this Act "manufacture", in relation to arms or ammunition, includes reloading of ammunition and the conversion into arms of any thing which has the appearance of arms but is so constructed as to be incapable of discharging a missile through the barrel thereof, but does not include the repair of arms or ammunition or the alteration or substitution or replacement part of the arms.

            (4) Any person who contravenes the provisions of subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction thereof to a fine not exceeding P3000 or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding three years, or to both.

            (5) Any licensing officer who has reason to suspect that the provisions of this section have been or are being contravened may seize and retain any arms or ammunition or any material or article which he has reason to suspect may be the subject of, or has been used in connection with, the contravention.

            (6) Any arms or ammunition seized under this section shall be forfeited to the State and shall be disposed of as the Minister may direct.