Briefing 5 of 2018: Are guns effective for self-defence? Examining the evidence
This fifth Briefing of 2018 coincides with Disarmament Week, which is marked globally from 24 to 30 October. This year, the United Nations is highlighting the link between arms races, disarmament and the Sustainable Development Goals of 2030.
It shows that in the context of rising crime and mistrust in the police, some South Africans are choosing to buy guns for […]
Briefing 4 of 2018: QUICK FACTS – Guns and violence in South Africa
Brief 4 summarises the latest statistics and data on guns and violence in South Africa, including on gun-related death, disability and the impact of the Firearms Control Act.
Responding to 2017/18 National Crime Statistics – Urgent action to reduce gun availability key to curing SA’s violent crime epidemic
The latest national crime statistics show that guns are overwhelmingly the weapon of choice to kill, injure, threaten and intimidate: A shocking 41.3% of murders and 59.5% of aggravated robberies in 2017/18 were gun-related. The vast majority of these crimes involve handguns: Between 1999/2000 and 2013/14, handguns were used in 94% of murders and 97% of aggravated robberies.
4 Key Factors for a Successful Firearms Amnesty in SA
Gun Free SA welcomes Police Minister Bheki Cele’s announcement to parliament of his intention to declare a 6-month national firearms amnesty under Section 139 of the Firearms Control Act (2000). The primary objective of an amnesty is to remove illegal guns. There are 4 vital factors which determine how successful the proposed amnesty will be in mopping up illegal guns […]
Briefing 3 of 2018: Constitutional Court unanimously rules regular gun licence renewal is constitutional – What next?
On 7 June 2018 the Constitutional Court unanimously ruled that sections 24 and 28 of the Firearms Control Act (2000), under which gun owners must renew their firearm licences on a regular basis or forfeit guns for which licences have expired to the state, are constitutional.
In making its judgement, the ConCourt ruled that gun ownership is not a fundamental right […]
Welcome Constitutional Court ruling that regular gun licence renewals are constitutional
Gun Free SA welcomes today’s Constitutional Court ruling, which upholds the constitutionality of regular gun licence renewals. Under section 24 and section 28 of the Firearms Control Act (2000), all gun owners are required to renew their firearm licences on a regular basis. The Constitutional Court ruled that gun ownership is not a fundamental right under our Bill of Rights, […]
