President Cyril Ramaphosa said during a rare media briefing on Thursday 3 June that implementing the highly controversial Firearms Control Amendment Bill – which proposes far more stringent restrictions on gun owners – needs to endure legal muster before being constitutionally approved.
He said that some of the proposed restrictions over owning a firearm because of a need for self-defence should be addressed in the courts, because the judiciary is best qualified to rule on circumstances pertaining to this need.
Ramaphosa: Courts should rule on gun control
Speaking on Thursday afternoon, Ramaphosa was asked about whether he thought that the proposed legislation to remove self-defence as a criteria for applying for a gun licence is sensible. He responded by saying that he is of the view that under the right circumstances, owning a gun to defend yourself is suitable.
Crime fighters and gun club members say the government will be disarming them and leaving criminals armed if the proposed Firearm Control Amendment Bill goes ahead, stopping citizens from owning guns for self-defence.
The Firearms Control Amendment Bill has sparked a loaded debate. Image: 123RF/123RF Premium
The proposed Firearms Control Amendment Bill has sparked debate since it was issued in the government gazette last week.
Among other things, the proposed bill indicates that applicants applying for a firearm should provide a valid reason and that no licences will be issued to civilians for self-defence purposes.
Members of the public have until the end of July 4 to comment.
According to police minister Bheki Cele, more than 17,000 written submissions have been received since the gazette was published on Friday and this number is growing by the day.