BRIGHTON Beach SAPS tackled the growing concern of gun violence in a brochure distribution campaign on Thursday, 8 January.
Brighton Beach SAPS media officer, Captain Louise Le Roux, hosted the awareness campaign, which offered people guidelines on gun safety, responsible gun ownership and the legalities of gun use and ownership, ways in which a registered gun owner can be declared unfit to possess a firearm under the Firearms Control Act of 2000 and ways in which the Domestic Violence Act of 1998 can protect someone when a gun is used during incidents of family violence.
Capt Le Roux urges community members to report the illegal possession and distribution of firearms. “It is imperative that licensed gun owners take the necessary precautions to safe guard their firearms when not under their immediate control,” said Capt Le Roux.
Guns should not be left in briefcases, cupboards, under mattresses or pillows or in handbags and the theft or loss of a gun should be reported immediately. “Take the necessary precautions to ensure your home has the necessary safety features and that they are implemented to minimise the risk of falling prey to gun violence in your home through a house robbery,” she said.
Guidelines for the protection of children with regards to guns were also included in the brochure. Read them here.
“I urge licenced gun owners not to carry their firearms on them when visiting a place of entertainment, knowing they will be consuming alcohol. Safeguard your firearm at all times when not under your direct control and condition your children from a young age that a gun is a dangerous object and not a toy,” said Brighton Beach SAPS designated firearm official, Warrant Officer Myron Small.
Capt Le Roux calls for residents to report any illegal gun owners or sellers and licensed gun owners who handle them in a negligent way. “The cycle of gun violence prevention begins with you – make a report anonymously on www.crimeline.co.za, SMS 32211 or call the Crime Stop hotline on 08600-10111,”said Capt Le Roux.Brighton Beach SAPS management thanks Capt Le Roux for hosting the campaign and the Hillside Mall and Bluff Towers for allowing her distribute the brochures.
