I received an email from PHASA this morning announcing a travel ban on firearms on SAA from the UK, effective July 6,2017 due to regulatory and compliance issues. Trying to post the formal announcement.

Hunters/Shooters May Not Transport Firearms To/From London On South African Airways
SCI has received information from the Professional Hunters Association of South Africa (PHASA) that effective immediately, hunters and sport shooters travelling to or from Heathrow Airport in the UK may not check their firearms on South African Airways (SAA) flights. This prohibition is due to an administrative problem the airline is having with the renewal of their license to transport firearms into or out of Heathrow. SAA insists that it is a temporary problem and that they are working urgently to resolve the issue with the UK Police.
Until the matter is resolved, hunters and shooters with plans to travel on SAA flights through Heathrow Airport with firearms should make arrangements to fly with other airlines that do allow firearm carriage.
If you have any questions about this situation, SCI recommends that you contact SAA or PHASA (ceo@phasa.co.za) directly for more information about your options. SCI will provide updates on this issue as they become available.

Just received this email.

Best regards, D. Nelson

Really a crock of shit if you are booked already. The average guy can't afford to buy a ticket with another airline .

Just received an email from SAA announcing the ban on transporting firearms from the UK on SAA flights have been lifted. Good news for a change.

Thank you very for keeping us all up to date on this Karl.

Much appreciated.