A PROPOSED amendment to the firearms control act has been doing the rounds on social media.
The amendment changes the lawful reasons of ownership of a firearm to exclude ownership of a firearm for the purposes of self-defence. The proposed changes have not appeared in front of parliament and are therefore as of yet unofficial.
The possibility of firearms being restricted for self-defence purposes could have far-reaching effects for those who seek to lawfully possess a firearm to protect themselves and their families.
Also Read: Amendment to firearm act leaked
The RECORD spoke to a law enforcement official (who also wishes to remain anonymous) about the possession of a firearm for self-defence and the implications of the bill being changed.
According to the official, the use of a firearm for self-defence is permitted as long as certain criteria are taken into account. A firearm may be used if there is an immediate, grave danger to the armed person or to another person who is in danger.
The usage is also only justifiable if there isn’t another option available to ensure their safety.
“If your life is in danger it is your right to protect yourself as well as those close to you.”
Crime at a high
According to the official, the level of crime in Alberton is extremely high and with the current state of manpower and available resources that SAPS has at their disposal, it is impossible for them to be able to protect everyone if there is a threat to them.
“It is laughable to think that that public should be disarmed when the amount of crime is so excessive. The amount of crime that is committed with a licensed firearm is minuscule. Who benefits by disallowing the public to own firearms for defence? Only the criminals for who it would be easier to rob.”
According to the official, the current state of crime makes it impossible for the changes in the law to be beneficial.
“If the amount of crime is reduced then we can consider it.”
Competent owners
According to Du Toit Lambrechts, CEO of Special Operations Group who also offer firearm training, having a firearm you are trained in and competent with has a definite effect on the deterring of crime.
“Should firearms be disallowed for defence use it removes a risk factor for potential criminals that can lead to an increase in crime.
“You have to remain proficient in the usage of your firearm. It is also important to have your firearm on your body. You never know when you could need it and it is outside of your reach.”
The right to defend yourself
The RECORD spoke to the community about the proposal of the removal of self-defence as a reason to own firearms. All of the people that spoke to the RECORD about the issue agreed that it is an intrinsic right for all people to be able to defend themselves.
Further concerns raised by the residents are that the police service is unable to ensure the safety of civilians which makes the ownership of firearms necessary.
A last concern raised by the residents was that the disarming of civilians could contribute to the establishment of a dictatorship or the further oppression of a group of people unable to defend themselves.
The overall consensus among the people we spoke to was that we have a right to defend ourselves and therefore own a firearm. For more comments from the community visit our website on www.albertonrecord.co.za
The question that remains us to ask ourselves is what would be the benefit of removing the right to use firearms to defend ourselves in a country where crime is rampant. How are people supposed to defend themselves and their family when there is concern that SAPS cannot?
Some comments from the community:
• The identities of the residents were kept anonymous.
• “Dear sir/madam re your article in the Alberton Record pertaining to the firearm act: I ask you what other reason a person would have a firearm if not for self-defence. Each and every person on this earth has a right to self-defence. What would the purpose of firearms be? Robberies etc.? Why on earth not self-defence?”
• “Who would want to carry a gun other than for self-defence? It is already a sad situation that the normal man on the street should even think of owning a gun for self-defence – just shows you where this country is heading.”
• “As a law abiding citizen I have every right to defend myself against the criminals out there who are armed to the teeth.”
• “Let’s just say if I can’t carry it legally for self-defence. I will do in South Africa like criminals do – get it illegally to defend my legal rights as a citizen of this country. Try and stop me.”
• “Taking away the citizen’s right to self-defence by not allowing to own guns legally is just one step closer to a totalitarian state ruled by dictators. Democracy is a load of bull in South Africa.”
• “How terrible that this should even be a debate! Our government is failing its citizens in so many ways – they should be the ones ensuring we have a police force who can defend us and keep the criminals off the streets – the government should be the one to blame for all the wrongs in this beautiful country of ours.”
• “If our government can mobilise SAPS to get all illegal guns off the streets then I will not need a firearm to protect my family – until such time I will shoot to kill if my family is being threatened in my own home.”
• “What the hell do they expect us to do if one or more enter your property armed to the teeth – defend ourselves with a steak knife?”
• “I own a firearm to protect my family and myself. It’s our right to defend ourselves.”
• “We feel that we are being disarmed by a higher power to enforce themselves on us without us being able to do anything.”
• “I think that licences should be scrapped. There are firearms all over that haven’t got licenses so why would changing the licence situation change anything.”
• “I would rather have it available in case I need it. I shudder to think of the situation where I would need a firearm to protect my family and I don’t have it.”
• “You have the right to defend yourself. If you appear in court you have the right to a lawyer to defend you so why won’t you have a firearm to protect your life.”
• “I don’t think that we should have firearms, but still have some weapon to defend ourselves such a ‘gammogun’.”
• “You never know when someone will be breaking into your house. The police aren’t able to stop crime so we need to be able to defend ourselves.”
• “We have a constitutional right to life and to defend our own life. Taking firearms away would infringe on our right to protect our lives.”
• “You can kill someone with your bare hands. Why would they draw the line at guns and not take away any possible weapons?”
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