1. Gun Control in SA

On Sunday 11 July 1999 the country's big Sunday Newspapers brought us a glimpse of what lies in stock for the South African Firearms Owner. The present very strict rules and regulations of the Arms and Ammunition Act will become draconian if the proposed Firearms and Ammunition Control Bill becomes the Law of the Land.

Severe restrictions and exorbitant costs will be involved for those already owning firearms and it will be an administrative and financial nightmare for potential new owners.

Please note: private firearms ownership will not be banned, it will just be very difficult to own any firearms!

Some of the measures that are meant to be instituted will be:

• A restriction of one handgun per person.
• A restriction of 9 (nine) round per magazine per pistol.
• A R500 licensing fee per firearm ( US1$ = ±R6.20 ).
• Caliber restriction of  .45 max. (Good-bye to your beloved 505 Gibbs, 600NE doubles, etc.).
• Apparently, all licenses will have to be renewed on a 5 year basis at R500 / license.
• Psychometric testing for present and new firearms owners at an estimated R300 - R500 per license.
• No lending of firearms to family members, fellow hunters or any other law abiding citizens.
• Banning of all 'military' type firearms, e.g. the CZ 75, HK USP, Colt 1911, FN FAL, HK G3, etc., etc.
• Rumored restrictions on ammo, reloading components and propellants (Powder, for you Americans ;) ).
• Rumored banning of all semiautomatic rifles (and I suppose) shotguns.
I will be able to have a look at the Draft Bill tonight and will report back ASAP on what will probably become reality pretty soon (judging by the Government's sudden turn of speed on an issue that dragged on for years previously).

15/07/99: I have since the last update seen the draft Bill and will comment on it as soon as possible!

The Government's reaction (from the Department of Safety and Security) said in a statement that most illegal guns are lost by or stolen from their legal owners.
            "Studies by the illegal firearm investigating units of the police indicate that most illegal guns,
            especially handguns, are lost [by] or stolen from private individuals or the state,"
            and
            "It is not possible to make a difference to the availability of illegal guns without strict controls on
            legal guns and their owners."
            and
            "Otherwise police efforts to recover illegal guns will be fruitless because they will simply be  replaced.
            Police have also concluded that legal gun owners, who can buy unlimited amounts of ammunition, are
            the major source of ammunition for criminals."

Visit the Dept. of Safety and Security here.

An interesting article / letter appeared recently (5 Feb. 1999) in the Electronic Mail & Guardian discussing the issue of gun control in reply to a biased article on the subject by one of the paper's contributors. Here is a link to it. Here is a copy of the original, biased article.

The fight has been joined by several organizations, notably SAAACA (the Southern African Arms and Ammunition Collectors Association), SAGA (the South African Gun-owners Association), SAAADA - who stands to loose their livinghoods (the South African Arms & Ammunition Dealers Association) and some political parties such as the Freedom Alliance of Louis Luyt.

So, what can YOU, the average firearms owner with maybe 3-4 firearms, do? Well, several things in fact:
 

• Start by joining SAGA asap!

These guys (and gals) are doing their best for the South African firearms owner. I know Chris Evans (the Chairperson) personally and have found him to be an honorable, dedicated person who will do his utmost to meet this threat.
SAGA needs numbers in order to make an impression on the politicians and supports of this unpleasant piece of legislation. Unfortunately they also need CASH to fight this Bill, so: JOIN UP WITHOUT DELAY!!! Remember how the NRA contributed to the Democrats' defeat by the Republicans during the recent round of elections for the US Senate? Well, we can do the same!
• As important: get yourself registered with the South African Police Services as a bona fide sportsman or hunter, or register as a firearms collector! Go to Section 5 of this document for registration instructions.
• Visit Shooting-Online's petition page and sign the petition! Also forward it to everyone you know with internet access. (You will also be able to get a Word 97 copy of the proposed legislation on their site.)
• Write / fax Minister Steve Tshwete and let him know that you do not support the proposed legislation.
(Remember, keep it short, simple, civilized and courteous - no flaming or fire and brimstone!)
• Write, phone, fax or e-mail your local political party representative and voice your displeasure over the proposed legislation. Ask him / her what their viewpoint is and what he / she is going to do for you, the VOTING supporter. OK, granted, this avenue might not be successful, but give it a try anyway!
• Write to your local paper and state your opposition to this legislation in a courteous and civilized manner.

 
Bear in mind that taking away your firearms represents the first step in tyranny and repression! There will be hell to pay for law abiding citizens if we sit back now and simply let it slide. So: GET INVOLVED NOW! Even if you only sign the Shooting-Online petition!