Minister must walk his talk

GUN Free South Africa (GFSA) welcomes the statements from Minister of Police Fikile Mbalula highlighting the importance of using the Firearms Control Act to remove guns and save lives.

While his words are welcomed, GFSA urges the minister to act with urgency. The sad death of Mandla Hlatshwayo, who was shot and killed in an armed robbery, is another life snuffed out because of gun violence. He is one of 16 people killed that day because their murderers had access to a gun. Enough is enough. The minister of police has the power to limit access to firearms by bringing an amendment to Parliament to strengthen the Firearms Control Act, which should then be strictly enforced.

In addition, a no-questions-asked firearms amnesty should be declared and intelligence-driven operations implemented to recover illegal guns.

Firearm violence is a leading cause of death in South Africa, with a recorded murder rate of 33/100 000 against the global average of 6.2/100 000.

Furthermore, firearms are one of the leading instruments of murder; in 2015/16 crime statistics it was reported that 16 people are shot and killed every day – just fewer than 6 000 people a year.

Despite the significant reduction in gun deaths since the introduction of stricter gun laws in 2000 (from 34 gun deaths a day in 1998 to 16 a day in 2015), there are still far too many guns in circulation, with too many gun deaths.

Swift, decisive action is needed to help end this war which threatens our communities, families, schools and businesses.

Honour the victims. Stand up for the survivors. Protect the people. Communications and community stakeholder officer at GFSA