The Firearms Control Bill

If one looks at the crime figures around the world, one is struck by the fact that there are many countries that have higher incidence of certain crimes than our country. New Zealand has more housebreakings, car thefts, likewise some Scandinavian countries.

What makes crime in this country different, is the violence that accompanies crime in this country.

Gun control is an issue that raises a lot of heat, with powerful lobbies spending a great deal of money, both here and abroad, to oppose legislation aimed at reducing the number of guns in society.

Arguments are advanced by the opponents of this legislation that this law will deny freedom to individuals to protect themselves from criminal activity, that the problem is not legal gun owners but ownership of illegal guns by criminals, and that reducing the number of guns in society will increase criminality.

Some facts about gun ownership

• Less than two per cent of legal guns are used in self defence
• Guns were used in 49 percent of all murders in 1998
• 23 820 firearms were reported stolen from owners in 1998, an average of 65 guns a day.
• 23 820 firearms According the Auditor General, almost 1 700 firearms were reported stolen or missing from the SAPS reported stolen from owners in 1998, an average of 65 guns a day.
• 23 820 firearms were reported stolen from owners in 1998, an average of 65 guns a day.
• According the Auditor General, almost 1 700 firearms were reported stolen or missing from the SAPS

Key Political Messages

The ANC is committed to reducing the levels of crime and violence in this country. This Bill is one measure we are putting in place to deal with the scourge of crime and violence.

There are too many guns in circulation. Too many licensed guns are stolen and involved in accidents and domestic violence.

Only very few licensed guns are used for self defence - tighter control of licensed guns will not impair the right of law-abiding citizens to defend themselves.