Media Statment:
SAPS Takes Aim at the Wrong Target

The proposed Firearms Control Amendment Bill 2025 places overriding regulatory focus on licensed private firearm owners, alleging that it is they who are to blame for unlicensed guns in circulation in South Africa. However, this emphasis contrasts with official statements from Acting Police Minister Cachalia, (quoted in Newsday Dec 14). Minister Cachalia unequivocally identifies cross-border smuggling, corruption, and losses of state-owned police firearms as predominant sources of unlicensed guns in criminal hands.

Responding to a written question from MK Party Member of Parliament, Crossby Shongwe, Minister Cachalia stated: “The increase in illicit firearms entering the Republic is primarily caused by diversion from legal markets, through theft, fraud, straw purchases, cross-border trafficking, and illicit manufacturing.”

“Firearms are mainly smuggled from Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini, and Lesotho. In a sense, criminal syndicates are exploiting porous borders and informal crossings,” the minister said.

‘Violence is deterred at the intent level, not merely the tool level’

South Africa's persistent violent crime challenges require evidence-based, comprehensive strategies to enhance public safety. Minister Cachalia's responses highlight actionable priorities: tackling smuggling across porous borders, addressing corruption (including within law enforcement), and improving safeguards for state-issued firearms.

Safe Citizen research on global trends around violence in society, indicates that violence is deterred at the intent level, not merely the tool level. Effective government and policing build deterrence by fostering a culture of law-abiding behaviour, high public trust, and social norms that discourage violence - reducing crimes across all methods (firearms, knives, blunt objects).

In contrast to South Africa, this is well illustrated in Switzerland where regulated civilian ownership of firearms (around 27-28 guns per 100 citizens) coexists with minimal misuse due to strong institutions and community respect for law.

But in South Africa, regulations without strong enforcement and cultural support may lead to higher violence overall, suggesting that a government focus on systemic factors like earning and encouraging community respect for government and the law, will do more to reduce the pool of potential offenders than targeting licensed private persons.

Given this, directing efforts toward the sources identified by the Minister, such as border controls, intelligence operations, and internal audits would be a rational and defensible priority. The proposed amendments impose completely unnecessary and disproportionate burdens on law-abiding citizens who historically comply with rigorous processes – the existing Firearms Control Act is robust and suitable. In a society where police resources are stretched and slow response times are the norm, a licensed firearm is the best option for responsible and effective self-defense for vulnerable groups like farmers, women and urban residents.

Advocates for reform, including groups like Gun Free South Africa, clamour for the punishment of private gun owners, but a balanced policy, strengthening enforcement against illegal firearms while preserving avenues for lawful ownership, aligns better with the evidence.

Public input into the proposed amendment Bill is crucial. Citizens must insist that the State focuses on building the effective institutions and cultural deterrence needed for lasting reductions in violence.

Safe Citizen urges all South Africans to lawfully stand united against this serious threat to sustainable community safety and personal defense.

Join Safe Citizen today, and participate by subscribing at Dear South Africa https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/contact/

 

ENDS

For comment contact:
Jonathan.deal@safecitizen.co.za