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Gun Violence in South Africa, a National Public Health Priority - Analysis

17 May 2012

Institute for Security Studies (Tshwane/Pretoria)

ANALYSIS South Africa faces numerous challenges in preventing and reducing the levels of violence and crime. The burden of mortality and morbidity arising from violence and injury affects the lives of millions of individuals annually and continues to undermine social harmony and socio-economic development. This is, now more than ever, a national public health priority - one that needs to be monitored and controlled so as to limit the number of injuries and non-natural... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Institute for Security Studies (Tshwane/Pretoria)

Untrained Police Caught by South Africa's Post-Apartheid Gun Rules

1 May 2012

Telegraph (UK)

Thousands of South African police officers face being stripped of their guns or kicked out of the force entirely after a leaked internal report revealed that one fifth of those with licenses were not qualified to use police-issue weapons. A total of 27,400 officers failed to complete updated firearms training introduced last year, out of 129,713 armed staff in the nation's force. Following the revelation last month, several district commanders ordered officers who were... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Telegraph (UK)

South Africa Temporarily Halts Police Firearm Withdrawal

26 April 2012

BuaNews (Tshwane)

Pretoria — Police management on Thursday said they had halted the process of withdrawal of firearms from police officers. Briefing the media on what has been erroneously dubbed in some reports as police "disarmament", acting National Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi said the move to take the firearms from the officers was informed by an internal audit report, which was subsequently leaked to the press. "Such a document was meant to assist the management of the... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: BuaNews (Tshwane)

South African Police Battle Over Removal of Firearms from Unfit Officers

23 April 2012

Times (South Africa)

The SA Police Service is locked in a battle with a union over the removal of firearms from more than 27000 officers found unfit to carry them and the placing of seasoned policemen as security guards. The SA Policing Union made a successful urgent application late last week for an interdict prohibiting Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa and acting national police chief Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi from disarming policemen in all nine provinces who have been declared unfit to handle... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Times (South Africa)

Ethiopia,South Africa,Burkina Faso,Sierra Leone,West Africa,Ukraine,Côte d'Ivoire,Eastern Europe,Russia,Central African Republic,Iraq,Afghanistan,United States,Colombia,Angola,Liberia,North Africa,West Asia,Africa

Shadowy 'Merchants of Death' Behind Africa's Illegal Gun-Running

11 April 2012

Think Africa Press (London)

Arms dealer Viktor Bout was sentenced to 25 years by a US federal court last week. Widely known as the 'merchant of death', the 45-year-old Russian has delivered weapons and arms to a wide range of presidents, insurgents and rebels in Africa and the Middle East including the likes of Charles Taylor in Liberia and Jonas Savimbi in Angola. He was caught in a US sting in which his services were solicited for the supply of weapons to Colombia's FARC rebels. His companies... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Think Africa Press (London)

South Africans Express Outrage Over 27,000 Police Failing Gun Test

4 March 2012

Citizen (South Africa)

JOHANNESBURG - Pro-gun and anti-gun lobby groups found themselves in rare agreement yesterday as they expressed outrage over reports that more than 27 000 police officers on active duty had failed their firearms proficiency tests. A report in The Sunday Times yesterday revealed that 27 329 (or 17%) of the 157 704 police officers who had training to comply with the regulations of the Firearms Control Act, which took effect in 2004, failed firearms proficiency... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Citizen (South Africa)

27,000 South African Police Fail Firearm Test, Still Carry Guns

4 March 2012

iAfrica.com (Cape Town)

More than 27 000 police officers on active duty have failed firearm proficiency tests, the Sunday Times reported. This was according to a performance report dated 14 December 2011 by the SA Police Service's internal audit unit, the publication said. The report said the majority of those who failed the tests were operational officers "who were supposed to carry their official firearms on a daily basis". The Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: iAfrica.com (Cape Town)

Estonia,Dominican Republic,Ecuador,Ukraine,Kyrgyzstan,Moldova,Kazakhstan,Belize,Latvia,Venezuela,Belarus,Lithuania,Bahamas,Bolivia,Azerbaijan,Russia,Antigua & Barbuda,Guyana,South Africa,Jamaica,Honduras,Guatemala,El Salvador,South America,Colombia,Brazil,Central America,Caribbean

1/3 of Femicides Committed With Gun in Latin America and Caribbean [Espanol]

2 March 2012

RT-TV Novosti (Russia)

[Translated summary: Nearly a third of crimes against women are committed with a firearm and in Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras this indicator is 60% - Small Arms Survey.] El mayor nivel de feminicidios se registra en Latinoamérica y el Caribe. Catorce países latinoamericanos aparecen entre los 25 del mundo con la tasa más elevada de crímenes contra la mujer. El informe de la organización de investigaciones independientes Small Arms Survey,... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: RT-TV Novosti (Russia)

Philippines,Trinidad & Tobago,Zimbabwe,Zambia,Uganda,Tanzania,Senegal,Congo (DRC),Pakistan,Nigeria,Niger,Namibia,Morocco,Mauritania,Malawi,Madagascar,Côte d'Ivoire,Burkina Faso,Botswana,Egypt,Angola,Algeria,South Africa,Ghana,China,United States,Austria,Russia,Israel,Bahrain,Asia,Africa,Brazil

Brazil Arms Exports: Country Preaches Peace, Sells Tons of Arms

28 February 2012

Huffington Post (USA)

A small, scratched metal can thrown on the ground created Brazil's first diplomatic embarrassment of 2012. The canister of tear gas had been collected by pro-democracy activists in Bahrain. Stamped across the can in blue was a Brazilian flag and the words 'MADE IN BRAZIL.' One year had passed since Bahrain became the stage for pro-democracy protests by the majority Shiites against the Sunni monarchy commanded by king Hamad bin-Isa Khalifa. The protesters had been... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Huffington Post (USA)

Italy,Philippines,United States,Russia,Germany,Czech Republic,China,Botswana,Oceania,Americas,Africa,Asia,Europe,Central Africa,Caribbean,South America,Central America,Zimbabwe,Namibia,Mozambique,Congo (DRC),Angola,Swaziland,South Africa,Southern Africa

High Gun Death Risk for Young African Men, Women at Home - UN Study

19 February 2012

Southern Times (Southern Africa)

WINDHOEK - Young men in Southern Africa are at the greatest risk of cold-blooded murder, while women in the region are more likely than others from around the world to be killed in domestic violence, a UN agency says. The statistics from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) come as the region battles to contain the proliferation of gun-related crimes. Experts have said gun-related crime is a major problem in South Africa and Swaziland, and is on the rise in... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Southern Times (Southern Africa)

East Africa,Mozambique,South Africa

South African Shipping Could Be Disrupted by New Piracy Gun Procedure

17 February 2012

Democratic Alliance (Cape Town), Media release

A South African Police Service (SAPS) instruction has been issued that all permits for vessel protection must now be sent directly to the Central Firearms Registry (CFR) in Pretoria, which is effectively defunct. Until three weeks ago any firearms aboard a ship were collected by the local Port Authority police, and held until the vessel was about to depart our shores, when they were returned. As piracy in the Mozambican Channel and East African shores is now endemic,... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Democratic Alliance (Cape Town)

Madagascar,Guinea,Ghana,Botswana,Angola,Algeria,South Africa,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa,Russia,Austria,Israel,Germany,Italy,United States,Yemen,Philippines,Pakistan,Sri Lanka,Tunisia,Brazil,Burkina Faso,Egypt,Côte d'Ivoire,Malawi,Mauritania,Morocco,Namibia,Niger,Nigeria,Congo (ROC),Senegal,Tanzania,Uganda,Zambia,Zimbabwe,Argentina,Ecuador,Chile,Honduras,Guatemala,United Arab Emirates,Trinidad & Tobago,Jordan,Dominican Republic,Singapore,Kazakhstan,Liberia,Saudi Arabia,Bosnia & Herzegovina,Congo (DRC),Guyana,Mauritius,Latvia,Oman,Nepal,Somalia,Bolivia,Colombia,Venezuela,Peru,Mexico,Qatar,Kuwait,Indonesia,Malaysia,Thailand

Brazilian Gun Industry Seeks New Markets: Africa and Asia [Portugues]

27 January 2012

Publica (Brazil)

[Translated summary: With the support of the Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs, Brazilian gun manufacturers seek new markets in countries with a history of human rights violations: Tunisia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Philippines and Yemen. Brazil is among the six countries in the world with annual exports exceeding $ 100 million, according to recent research from Small Arms Survey. According to the Army, responsible for supervising and controlling exports from 2005 to... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Publica (Brazil)

South Africa Law Enforcement: 'Armed and Dangerous' Police - Analysis

12 January 2012

Institute for Security Studies (Tshwane/Pretoria)

People who possess firearms in South Africa can generally be separated into three categories. The first group consists of individuals in possession of duly registered firearms. The next group is of greater concern. They are the people who are in illegal possession of firearms. Not all people who possess firearms that are, according to the letter of the law, illegal are violent criminals. However, even this armed group is less of a concern than the last type. The third... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Institute for Security Studies (Tshwane/Pretoria)

Thailand,Colombia,Russia,United States,Uganda,Rwanda,South Africa,United Arab Emirates,Belgium,Sudan,Somalia,Côte d'Ivoire,Liberia,Angola,Oceania,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa,Congo (DRC)

Stopping the Trade in Death, Gun Trafficking, Smuggling - Opinion

6 December 2011

New York Times, Opinion

On a dark November morning in 2004, I woke up in my bungalow overlooking Lake Kivu, tense with anticipation. Our small United Nations team was about to undertake a surprise inspection of three airfields in eastern Congo, notorious for smuggling operations. With the backing of U.N. peacekeeping forces and a U.N. Security Council mandate, we searched almost every incoming and outgoing aircraft that day. By evening, we had the evidence to link several aviation front... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: New York Times

South Africa Firearms Act Reduced Violence Against Women, Why Change?

6 December 2011

The Witness (South Africa)

CAPE TOWN — The proposed amendments to the Firearms Control Act should be opposed at all costs, because in its current state the law has succeeded in reducing violence against women and children. So says Dr Naeemah Abrahams, a researcher with the Medical Research Council. She pointed out the dangers of the proposed amendments during a discussion of the 16 Days Campaign of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children yesterday. This year's campaign will... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: The Witness (South Africa)

South African Province Considers Drastic Measures to Collect Illegal Guns

22 November 2011

South African Government (Pretoria), Media release

KZN MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison Mr Willies Mchunu said government is considering drastic measures to collect illegal firearms in the hands of civilians. He was addressing thousands of Mankengane community in eShowe today, 22 Novemner 2011. For years the community of this area has been experiencing faction fights that led to blood shed and disrupted school operations. In the past, this area has seen some tensions between two tribal authorities... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: South African Government (Pretoria)

India,Afghanistan,Iraq,Sierra Leone,South Africa,Saudi Arabia,United States,United Kingdom,Oceania,Europe,Asia,Americas,Africa

'The Shadow World', an Incisive Exposé of the ArmsTrade - Book Review

1 November 2011

Telegraph (UK), Book review

If there is one book unlikely to appear on the Christmas reading lists of the former defence secretary Liam Fox and his self-professed adviser Adam Werritty, one suspects that this is it. The sorry case of Dr Fox and the mystery chum-cum-lobbyist amplifies what critics of the defence procurement industry – Feinstein prefers the racier "global arms trade" – have long argued. To put it mildly, and in a nutshell, it is not known for its transparency. Nor, for that... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Telegraph (UK)

Uganda,East Africa,South Africa,Kenya

Security Threat in Kenya Triggers Debate on Whether to Give Guards Guns

27 October 2011

Daily Nation (Nairobi)

At the Majlis Resort on Manda Island, the night watchman carries only a radio and a torch. As dusk falls on the island, a team of local police officers armed with rifles arrives and settles down on the beachfront. Less than a month ago, Somali pirates kidnapped French woman Marieu Dedieu from this very spot. Now police are here to guard a handful of tourists still remaining in Lamu, because they are the only ones who can do it. "The government wrote a letter to... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Daily Nation (Nairobi)

South Africa Police Gun Control Described as a 'Nightmare', Say MPs

13 October 2011

Cape Argus (Cape Town)

Political Bureau NATIONAL police commissioner General Bheki Cele and his top cops were slammed by Parliament's police oversight committee yesterday over the state of the service, with the chair of the committee describing its firearms control as a "nightmare". In the past five years, 11 935 SAPS firearms have been lost or stolen. As the police top brass were being grilled, Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa said in a written parliamentary reply that one-third (91 191) of... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Cape Argus (Cape Town)

One-Third of All South African Police Firearms Remain Unmarked

12 October 2011

Democratic Alliance (Cape Town), Media release

In reply to a parliamentary question the Minister of Police has revealed that one-third or 91 191 SAPS firearms still need to be marked to clearly identify them as SAPS weapons. This means that it is impossible to track where many of the lost and stolen firearms end up. It certainly explains the low recovery rate of 7% when it comes to missing weapons. In the last five years, 11 935 SAPS firearms have been lost or stolen I shall be writing to the Independent Complaints... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Democratic Alliance (Cape Town)

South African Opposition Party Explains New Dangerous Weapons Bill

28 September 2011

Democratic Alliance (Cape Town), Media release

The Draft Dangerous Weapons Bill was drawn up in response to a Constitutional Court ruling and is a necessary piece of legislation. In its current unamended form, the Bill leaves a great deal open to interpretation. Despite the various statements that have been made about the proposed new Bill, it must be remembered that it is still in its draft form. This draft legislation has been made available for public comment before being submitted for approval to Cabinet. Only... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Democratic Alliance (Cape Town)

'Collect Your Gun Licence', Say South Africa Police

28 September 2011

East Coast Radio (Durban)

Midlands police say despite their efforts of phoning, sending messages and visiting applicants' addresses - a large number of applicants, including security officers, still have not picked up their licences and competency certificates. Applicants have 90 days to collect their documents before they are returned to the National Central Firearm Registry Office in Pretoria. The police's Joey Jeevan says there is currently a huge backlog at the centre, which could lead to... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: East Coast Radio (Durban)

Politician Nabbed for Unlawfully Carrying a Gun in Durban City Hall

22 September 2011

Daily News (Durban)

An eThekwini councillor, who claimed to have received death threats, was arrested on Wednesday inside the Durban City Hall for carrying a firearm. A source told the Daily News the councillor had claimed the unlicensed 9mm pistol had been handed to him earlier in the day by someone in the toilets at city hall. Warrant Officers Deena Govender and David Cele of the Durban Organised Crime Unit – Cato Manor, and the Shongweni Dog Unit made the arrest after a... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Daily News (Durban)

India,Nepal,South Africa

Nepal: Impact of Small Arms on Gender

20 September 2011

Telegraph (Nepal), Opinion

1. Facts: Small arms: Small Arms mean the weapons that a single and individual can carry and operate. For example revolvers, self loading pistols, rifles, carbines, assault rifles, sub machineguns, light machineguns and associated ammunitions.[1] Light weapons means that can be operate two or three people. They may include heavy machine gun, hand–held under barrel and mounted grenade launcher, portable anti-aircraft and missile launcher, explosives, anti personal... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Telegraph (Nepal)

South Africa Police Fuel Illegal Trade: 11,935 Guns Missing Over 5 Years

11 September 2011

Democratic Alliance (Cape Town), Media release

Once again it has been revealed to the Democratic Alliance (DA) that the South African Police Service (SAPS) has been fueling the illegal arms trade. In a reply to a parliamentary question asked by the DA to the Minister of Police, he admits that in 2010/11 a total of 1 335 SAPS firearms were 'lost or stolen'. 101 of these were rifles, 46 were shotguns and the rest were handguns. Only 167 of the firearms have been recovered. A copy of the DA question and the Ministers... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Democratic Alliance (Cape Town)

South Africa's Murder Rate Progressively Decreasing: 16,500 in 2010

7 September 2011

BuaNews (Tshwane)

CAPE TOWN — South Africa's annual murder crime figures have progressively slipped down from 26 000 in 1994 to 16 500 in 2010. With the introduction of the Firearms Control Act in 2002, and as attitudes changed, about 640 gun dealers had to close shop between that time and 2006. Though the country's support for crime prevention has been "inconsistent", "trust between the state, communities and inter-communities" was improving. Also, communities' capacity for... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: BuaNews (Tshwane)

Backlog of South African Gun Licensing Appeals Now Stands at 13,673

25 August 2011

News24 (Cape Town) / SAPA

CAPE TOWN - The backlog of applications to appeal under the Firearms Control Act currently totals 13 673, Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa said on Thursday. In written reply to a parliamentary question by Pieter Groenewald of the Freedom Front Plus, he said there had been 26 709 applications for appeal since January 2008. Of these, 10 953 had been granted, 2 083 rejected, and 13 673 were still outstanding, he said. In a statement Groenewald said this was further proof... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: News24 (Cape Town) / SAPA

South African Govt Urges Security Companies to Monitor their Guns

10 August 2011

South African Government (Pretoria), Media release

Strict compliance and greater cooperation between private security and SAPS is crucial. The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) has been urged to ensure it keeps track of security companies that possess firearms as well as ensure that properly-registered personnel utilise these firearms. This is the view of the Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa in reference to a Parliamentary reply submitted recently on whether companies comply with firearms... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: South African Government (Pretoria)

South Africa,Brazil,Argentina,Australia,Mexico,United States,Canada,Africa,Sweden,Oceania,Europe,Asia,Americas

Canada Gun Lobby Influence on Foreign Policy: Arms Trade Treaty

3 August 2011

Embassy Magazine (Canada), Opinion

Canada has never been a strong supporter of international efforts to negotiate an effective Arms Trade Treaty. But in mid-July, it reversed its previous low-key but constructive role at the United Nations ATT preparatory meetings to become a potential treaty spoiler. All indications point to this change of heart arising from the domestic gun lobby's influence on Canadian foreign policy. After years of preparation, member states of the United Nations will devote a month... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Embassy Magazine (Canada)

Sri Lanka,Sudan,Malawi,Zambia,Mozambique,Macedonia,Liberia,Sierra Leone,West Africa,Africa,South Africa

Africa: Analysis: How Best to Remove Guns from Post-conflict Zones?

28 July 2011

IRIN (UN News)

JOHANNESBURG - Cash for guns or buy-back programmes in post-conflict states have fallen out of favour as a method of ridding a society of weapons, and have been replaced by often elaborate schemes designed to remove money from the equation, but the debate continues as to the best way forward. The disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) community has grappled for years with buy-back practices and acknowledges they can have a profound effect on the nature of... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: IRIN (UN News)

United States,Indonesia,New Zealand,South Korea,China,Russia,South Africa

New Zealand Police Promise Gun Ban for Rugby World Cup Bodyguards

14 July 2011

Stuff (New Zealand)

Foreign bodyguards will be banned from carrying weapons when protecting overseas dignitaries at this year's Rugby World Cup. New Zealand police will assume full responsibility for the protection of visiting heads of state and VIPs at the tournament, which starts two days before the 10th anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks. Visiting security agents were permitted to carry weapons to protect foreign leaders during the 1999 Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Stuff (New Zealand)

Implementing South Africa's Gun Control Act - Failure or Work in Progress?

11 July 2011

Institute for Security Studies (Tshwane/Pretoria) / AllAfrica.com, Opinion

The South African Firearms Control Act (FCA), 2000 (as amended), which replaced the Arms and Ammunition Act (1969), was enacted to introduce more rigorous firearm control processes and procedures in South Africa, as well as specific policing actions in order to reduce firearms crime and violence. With another amendment to the FCA on the cards, various interest groups and NGOs have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the FCA to date. Much of the criticism by... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Institute for Security Studies (Tshwane/Pretoria) / AllAfrica.com

Gun Licence Backlog Reduced from 1 Million to 121,000 in South Africa

29 June 2011

News24 (Cape Town)

JOHANNESBURG - A programme to educate people about the firearm licence application process will be launched in August, Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa said on Wednesday. Roadshows would be held throughout the country at which people could detail any challenges they had faced with the process, he said in Pretoria. Speaking after a progress review meeting with the task team responsible for a turnaround strategy for firearms applications, Mthethwa said that the 1 080 696... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: News24 (Cape Town)

Gun Ban Urged as South African Police Targeted, Killed for Their Firearms

19 June 2011

Independent (South Africa)

The grieving family of two slain Kraaifontein police officers joined local residents and police in a peace march through the streets of Wallacedene on Saturday, calling for an end to all "evil deeds". Speakers at the peace rally in support of Warrant Officer Gershwin Matthee and Student Constable Cannon Cloete called for a return of the death penalty for police killers, the removal of all illegal and legal guns from communities and a pledge for continued community... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Independent (South Africa)

South African Police Committed to Clear Backlog in Gun Applications

10 June 2011

South African Press Association

The police are doing their best to clear the backlog in firearm applications, Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa said on Thursday. "The ministry is doing its best, although more still needs to be done, particularly around capacitating the office," Mthethwa said in a statement, referring to the Central Firearms Registry (CFR). He was reacting to a report in The New Age newspaper that parties were considering laying charges of contempt of court against Mthethwa because of a... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: South African Press Association

South African Major Backlog in Gun Licence Renewals Threatens Entire System

3 June 2011

New Age (Johannesburg)

The backlog in gun licence renewals is so severe that the entire application processing system is on the verge of "collapsing", an investigation by The New Age has revealed. Sources in the South African Police's Central Firearms Registry (CFR), speaking on condition of anonymity, said that officials were battling to clear the backlog but new applications were coming in everyday. With 200000 applications already received, and only 1000 being processed each working day,... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: New Age (Johannesburg)

The Number of Gun Licences Approved is Steadily Progressing in South Africa

24 May 2011

News24 (Cape Town)

CAPE TOWN - The number of firearm licence applications approved is steadily progressing, but much still needs to be done to ensure that legal firearms remain in the hands of responsible, compliant and law-abiding citizens, Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa says. Mthethwa on Tuesday was replying in writing to a parliamentary question on how many applications had been approved since the turnaround strategy announced in November last year. "The total number of approved... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: News24 (Cape Town)

Police Have 4 Months to Consider Gun Licence Application in South Africa

19 April 2011

Pretoria News (South Africa)

In a victory for potential firearm owners, police will have four months to respond to applications for competency certificates. According to a Pretoria High Court ruling, the police have agreed that these applications be considered within four months of their lodging. The agreement follows an application brought by the South African Intruder Detection Association, several security companies and about 4 500 individual security officers. Part of the agreement reached... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Pretoria News (South Africa)

Soaring Police Gun Losses Bring Promise of Clampdown in South Africa

23 March 2011

News24 (Cape Town)

JOHANNESBURG - Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa has instructed the police inspectorate to "closely monitor" police gun management amidst soaring weapon losses in the service. "In addition to various corrective measures which we are currently implementing, I have instructed the police management to ensure that each time a police officer loses his or her firearm, there must be a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the loss," Mthethwa said in a statement... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: News24 (Cape Town)

South African Police Have Lost 20,000 Guns Since 2004, Inquiry Hears

9 March 2011

BBC News

South Africa's police force has lost more than 20,000 firearms since 2004, a parliamentary committee has heard. MPs questioning police officials about the losses urged the force to take urgent action against officers who lose their weapons. They said they feared the guns were falling into the hands of criminals. South Africa - which has a high violent crime rate - has over the years struggled to control the number of unlicensed firearms in the... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: BBC News

Police Promise to Speed Up Slow Gun Licensing Process in South Africa

23 February 2011

New Age (Johannesburg)

Gun enthusiasts waiting for their firearm licences may soon get some relief. Police are working on improvements at the Central Firearms Register (CFR) to speed up the process. National figures are not freely available, but Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa said in a written reply to a Parliamentary question in October that about 58900 firearm renewal licence applications were outstanding in the Free State alone. In the period April to August last year, 4874 renewal... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: New Age (Johannesburg)

South Africa Shuts 23 Gun Registration Centres, Police Stations Take Over

13 January 2011

South African Press Association

The 23 firearm registration centres in Gauteng will be closed down because the Firearms Control Act has been amended, provincial police commissioner General Mzwandile Petros' office said on Thursday. "This office wishes to state that the decision was based on the amendment regulations as proclaimed in the Firearms Control Amendment Act which indicates that all renewals and competency applications will be dealt with at local (police station) level," said Colonel Neville... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: South African Press Association

Crisis Hits Tshwane Police as South African Cops Lose Illegally Held Guns

13 January 2011

Pretoria News

A crisis with the potential to threaten the lives of tens of thousands of Tshwane residents and the city's metro police officers is fast developing following revelations that scores of law enforcers are illegally in possession of their weapons. The revelations come after four Tshwane Metro Police Department motorcycle unit members had their firearms taken from them yesterday because their firearm permits had expired. The confiscation of the guns, say TMPD members on... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Pretoria News

Register Antique Guns, or Face Jail… South Africans Warned to Comply

7 January 2011

Independent (South Africa)

Police are confident that goodwill on the part of antique gun owners will have them register their firearms, but they have no idea how many thousands of such guns or their modified or lethal replicas are in the country. This was the admission by national police commissioner Bheki Cele and some of his senior staff in Pretoria on Thursday. Cele made the announcement at a news conference on an amendment to the Firearms Control Act which comes into effect on Monday. The... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Independent (South Africa)

South Africa Closes Licensing Loophole, Includes Muzzle-loading Guns

6 January 2011

Eyewitness News (South Africa)

An amendment to the Firearms Control Act which kicks in on Monday, patches a loophole which allowed people to own muzzle-loading firearms without licences. National Police Commissioner General Bheki Cele announced several changes to the act at a briefing in Pretoria on Thursday morning. Muzzle-loading firearm owners, mostly hunters and antique enthusiasts, have one year to apply for competency certificates. Cele said these types of weapons were excluded in the... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Eyewitness News (South Africa)

Most South Africans Get a Gun Licence Renewal, But 15,766 Are Denied

24 November 2010

Times (South Africa)

Police have handled barely a third of the gun licence renewal applications received since the Firearms Control Act of 2000 forced owners to apply anew to keep their weapons. Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa has told MPs that just half a million of the 1.4-million applications for gun licence renewal since 2000 have been decided. In apparent contradiction of reports that most requests had been rejected, he said in a written response to a parliamentary question that 15... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Times (South Africa)

Police, Minister Promise to Fix Gun Registry, Licensing in South Africa

2 November 2010

South African Press Association

Both national Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa and national Police Commissioner Bheki Cele promised to sort out problems associated with the central fire arms registry (CFR). Speaking at a press conference in Pretoria, Mthethwa said there were serious challenges with the CFR that were undermining the implementation of the Firearms Control Act. He conceded that some licence applications were taking as long as six years to process and that there were elements of... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: South African Press Association

Zimbabwe,India,Algeria,Chad,Angola,Saudi Arabia,Colombia,Libya,South Africa,Swaziland,Cameroon,United Arab Emirates

South Africa Takes Fire for Gun Sales to Conflict Areas, Blacklisted Nations

1 July 2010

Christian Science Monitor

JOHANNESBURG - South Africa, which has been winning applause for its hosting of the 2010 World Cup, is now coming under fire for another success: global arms sales. According to the South African watch group, Ceasefire Campaign, South African arms merchants have sold $1.7 billion worth of weapons in the past decade to "problematic" countries that are either involved in internal conflicts or with poor human rights records. The arms sales would appear to be in violation... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Christian Science Monitor

Hundreds of Cops' Wives, Girlfriends Killed with South African Police Guns

30 June 2010

Times (South Africa)

The police's watchdog body is so concerned about officers who kill their wives and girlfriends with their state-issued guns that it has recommended forcing policemen to leave their weapons at work. The Independent Complaints Directorate conducted a three-year study, the results of which were released last month. It revealed that 49 women romantically involved with police officers were killed by them between 2005 and 2007. But not included in the report were the... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Times (South Africa)

Gun Owner Shoots Himself Dead After Killing Ex-girlfriend in South Africa

1 June 2010

South African Press Association

A 25-year-old woman was shot dead by her ex-boyfriend before he shot himself in Tweefontein Village, Mpumalanga police said on Tuesday. Warrant Officer Patrick Mabena said the 28-year-old man visited his ex-lover at her home in section A on Monday afternoon. "A heated argument broke out between the duo. The man drew a firearm that he apparently stole from his father and shot the woman once in the head. "He then turned the gun on himself and blew his head up with one... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: South African Press Association

World Pro Footballers Campaign for Permanent Gun Ban In South Africa

23 May 2010

Independent (UK)

Premier League footballers have launched a campaign to banish guns from South Africa during the World Cup – and for the future. For the first time in the country's history, personal firearms will be banned from stadiums during the tournament. But, when the contest finishes on 11 July, guns will once again be allowed in all public places. Every year in South Africa, some 10,000 people are killed with guns. Those who have fallen victim to the country's lax gun laws... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Independent (UK)

Former VIP Protection Cop Confesses to Shooting His Wife in Cape Town

19 May 2010

Cape Argus (Cape Town)

Former VIP Protection Unit member Sydney Mangena broke down and wept in the Western Cape High Court as his former boss testified that Mangena had confessed to killing his fiancee and later attempted to commit suicide. Colonel Gerard Victor, provincial head of the police's VIP unit, said yesterday that Mangena had called him minutes after he allegedly killed parliamentary employee Thobeka Vuso at a dinner party at a Waterfront flat six years ago. Victor testified that... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Cape Argus (Cape Town)

Owners of Unsafe Gun Ranges in South Africa Will Be 'Harshly Dealt With'

18 May 2010

News24 (Cape Town) / SAPA

JOHANNESBURG - Small arms shooting ranges that fail to comply with government safety regulations will be "harshly dealt with", the national regulator for compulsory specifications (NRCS) said on Tuesday. The NRCS would inspect shooting ranges across the country to ensure that owners were obeying the safety rules laid out in the NRCS Act, spokesperson Thomas Madzivhe said. "Where there is non-compliance, the NRCS will withdraw certificates of compliance issued for... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: News24 (Cape Town) / SAPA

10yr-old Boy Kills 4yr-old in Playfight, Cops Quiz Dad Near Johannesburg

13 May 2010

Telegraph (UK)

Abraham Mabaso, from Vereeniging, south of Johannesburg, had been brandishing a plastic toy gun during an after school game with his neighbour Edgar Monyela, but police believe the older boy had been holding his father's 9mm pistol and accidentally discharged it. Abraham's mother Sibongile Mabaso, 34, heard the gunshot and rushed to find her son dead on the grass in her front garden. Police spokesman Captain Shado Mashobane said the incident was a "terrible... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Telegraph (UK)

Gun Amnesty Over, Illegal Firearms Can Bring 25yrs in South African Jail

12 April 2010

South African Press Association

Crime Line on Sunday appealed to the public to "blow the whistle" on the use and trade of illegal firearms as the gun amnesty deadline expires. "Time has run out for gun-owners to surrender their legal and illegal firearms as the gun amnesty period draws to a close today [Sunday]," the head of Crime Line, Yusuf Abramjee, said. "Now is the time for South Africans to join hands with the police in ensuring a safer South Africa by ridding our streets of illegal... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: South African Press Association

Gun Owners Still 'Confused' by Years-long South African Firearm Amnesty

8 April 2010

South African Press Association

JOHANNESBURG - As the 2010 firearms amnesty draws to a close this weekend, many gun owners are seeking advice after receiving mixed messages from the police and gun dealers, the SA Gunowners' Association (Saga) said on Thursday. Spokesperson Martin Hood said the police ministry was acting in bad faith by saying the amnesty period, which ends on April 11, must be used to update old firearm licences. "By presenting the amnesty as an opportunity for firearm owners to... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: South African Press Association

Estranged Husband Used Registered Handgun to Kill Wife in Durban Office

7 April 2010

Mercury (Durban)

A young mother of two died after being shot at her workplace soon after she was presented with a bunch of orange roses yesterday. Tania Donnelly, 29, a clerk in the Msunduzi municipality's electricity test and consumer centre, and mother of a 16-year-old son and four-year-old daughter, was shot twice in her stomach and once in her arm at her workplace in Havelock Road, Pietermaritzburg. She died in hospital later. Her shocked colleagues said the gunman, who was known... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Mercury (Durban)

Cape Town Cop Used Service Pistol to Shoot, Kill His Wife, Then Himself

6 April 2010

Cape Argus (Cape Town)

Constable Wayne Scheepers seemed to be the model policeman. But this weekend, Scheepers allegedly shot his 34-year old wife, Antonet, before turning the gun on himself in the couple's Paarl home. Their 16-year old son and five-year old daughter were staying with Antonet Scheepers' family when the shooting happened on Saturday night. Police spokesman Warrant Officer November Filander said neighbours heard the couple arguing inside their Polonaise Street home. Police... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Cape Argus (Cape Town)

Chasing Escaper, Cape Town Police Raid Home, Kill Schoolboy in Bed

2 April 2010

Cape Argus (Cape Town)

Police were on the hunt for a dangerous prison escaper when they stormed into a house near Empangeni late on Wednesday night. Shots rang out and a 15-year-old schoolboy, who had apparently been sleeping, lay dead. Kwazi Ndlovu was shot in his home in Esikhawini, near Empangeni. The killing of the Grade 10 pupil from Tiesand Technical School has reignited the debate over the police's shooting and killing of suspects. Just a day before, four suspected robbers were... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Cape Argus (Cape Town)

Cape Town Mother Killed 2 Daughters, Herself with Parents' Handguns

1 April 2010

Cape Argus (Cape Town)

A De Doorns woman has shot dead her two teenage daughters in their beds before lying down between them and turning the gun on herself. The drama unfolded in the Winelands town on Wednesday, when station commander Lieutenant-Colonel Desmond van der Westhuizen rushed to the family's home after he was tipped off by a staffer about potential trouble at the house. He raced to the house in Voortrekker Road, where he found the house locked. He smashed a window, clambered... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Cape Argus (Cape Town)

Footballers Sport Shirts, Campaign to Keep Guns Out of World Soccer Cup

31 March 2010

Caledonian Mercury (Scotland)

A leading fashion designer has teamed up with football stars in a campaign to keep the World Cup in South Africa gun-free. The move comes after three people died when Togo's team bus came under machine-gun fire while on its way to the African Cup of Nations earlier this year. Katharine Hamnett has designed a T-shirt with the slogan, Don't Shoot. Among the players to wear it is the Hibernian defender Sol Bamba, who was a member of the Ivory Coast team which also... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Caledonian Mercury (Scotland)

Cadet Officer Dies in 'Puzzling' South African Police Station Shooting

24 March 2010

Cape Argus (Cape Town)

The father of the 24-year-old student police constable who died after being shot, allegedly by a fellow officer, on Sunday, says he cannot understand how his son could have been shot inside a police station. Police said that on Monday, Litha Maxengana and a 29-year-old colleague had been discussing a new firearm clip designed to prevent criminals from snatching guns, when a shot had been fired "accidentally". He was rushed from the Sea Point Police Station to hospital... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Cape Argus (Cape Town)

Judge Orders Firearm Registry to Grant 600 Licences to South African Firm

10 March 2010

South African Press Association

PRETORIA, South Africa - The country's largest private security company obtained an urgent court order on Wednesday against the Central Firearms Registry to obtain 600 temporary firearm permits in time for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. This followed a late afternoon settlement after Fidelity Security Services approached the North Gauteng High Court for an urgent order about their firearm permits. These permits were refused shortly before Christmas last year. In terms... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: South African Press Association

Gun Amnesty Road Show Aims to Mop Up Illegal South African Firearms

9 March 2010

BuaNews (Tshwane)

MORETELE, South Africa — The North West Department of Public Safety has kicked off the 2010 Firearms Amnesty roadshow in the Moretele Local Municipality. Public Safety spokesperson Lesiba Kgwele said the campaign sought to amplify the call for residents to surrender illegal firearms and ammunition without being arrested before the April 11 deadline. The call came after Public Safety MEC Howard Yawa on Friday launched the campaign under the slogan "Awulethe Umshini... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: BuaNews (Tshwane)

Thousands of Guns, Ammunition Surrendered in South African Amnesty

26 February 2010

BuaNews (Tshwane)

PRETORIA, South Africa — Over 6 300 firearms and more than 90 000 rounds of ammunition have been surrendered to the South African Police Service to date. This is in line with the Ministerial Amnesty which expires on 11 April this year. Under the amnesty, anyone who has an illegal or unregistered gun, ammunition or firearm parts can hand them in without being prosecuted. The theme is "Together we can do more against crime. Awulethe umshini wakho; surrender your... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: BuaNews (Tshwane)

South African Riot Police Lose 60 More Guns, 48,000 Bullets to Thieves

23 February 2010

Beeld (South Africa)

JOHANNESBURG - More than 60 firearms and approximately 50 000 rounds of ammunition have presumably been stolen from a specialised police unit in Mpumalanga. The weapons were part of the arsenal of the police's former riot unit which had been stationed in Hazyview. The unit was closed in 2007 after a decision by Jackie Selebi, former police commissioner, to close all specialist units. The theft of (some of) the weapons was only recently discovered by police... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Beeld (South Africa)

South Africans Urged Again to Give Up Illegal Guns in Years-long Amnesty

10 February 2010

BuaNews (Tshwane)

NELSPRUIT, South Africa — Mpumalanga community safety MEC Sibongile Manana has urged the public to take advantage of the National Firearm Amnesty and hand in their unlicensed firearms. Illegal firearms can be handed in at the nearest police station, without the handler fearing arrest if the weapon was not used to commit a crime. The amnesty period runs from January 11 to April 11. A similar campaign in 2005 resulted in over 98 000 weapons being removed from... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: BuaNews (Tshwane)

Police 'Lose' 3,000 Pistols a Year, Fuel Crime Gun Trade in South Africa

27 January 2010

South African Press Association

The police are "unwittingly fuelling the illegal arms trade" by ordering thousands of new pistols to replace those that have been lost or stolen, the Democratic Alliance said on Wednesday. Dianne Kohler Barnard said 4 000 new pistols ordered by the South African Police Service (SAPS) were not to boost firepower, but "mostly to replace lost and stolen firearms". "As revealed on the Armscor website, the ordering of 4 000 new Beretta pistols means that another... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: South African Press Association

South Africa Imports More Handguns to Replace Thousands Lost by Police

27 January 2010

Telegraph (UK)

Almost 3,000 South African police firearms were lost or stolen in just nine months, it emerged today – about three for every police station in the country, which has some of the highest crime rates in the world The worrying statistic comes less than six months before the football World Cup kicks off in the country. Dianne Kohler Barnard, the opposition Democratic Alliance shadow police minister, said that the state weapons manufacturer Armscor had recently ordered... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Telegraph (UK)

Police Destroy Another 80,611 Guns in South African Firearm Amnesty

15 January 2010

South African Press Association

JOHANNESBURG - Gun control campaigners welcomed the destruction of 80 611 guns by the SA Police Service on Friday. The weapons thrown into the furnace included guns recovered through the ongoing nationwide firearm amnesty, as well as obsolete police weapons and guns previously recovered by police from crime scenes. IANSA (International Action Network on Small Arms) Africa said the destruction sent a positive signal to South Africans that the firearms amnesty would... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: South African Press Association

Firearm Amnesty Law 'an Insult' say South African Shooters

12 January 2010

Richmark Sentinel

The new firearm amnesty has kicked off with all the pomp and ceremony that the police can muster for what may well prove to be a pivotal moment in gun ownership in South Africa. The problem is that there are unresolved issues relating to the Firearms Control Act of 2000 (Act) which still have to be sorted out. Chief among these is the application before the High Court, brought by the SA Hunters and Game Conservation Association, to declare certain parts of the Act... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Richmark Sentinel

Impact of South Africa's Gun Amnesty Questioned

11 January 2010

Mercury (Durban)

With thousands of illegal firearms in circulation around the country, contributing to the high rate of serious and violent crimes, most political parties have welcomed the four-month gun amnesty that begins today, saying it will spur people with illegal firearms to surrender their weapons. The amnesty runs until April 11 and allows people to hand in illegal, unregistered firearms at any police station, without fear of prosecution. IFP spokesperson Velaphi Ndlovu said... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Mercury (Durban)

Amnesty Reduces South Africa's 'Pool of Illegal Guns'

11 January 2010

AllAfrica.com

Pretoria — The dispossession of illegal and unwanted legal firearms during the new firearms amnesty period will significantly help in the fight against crime, says Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa. Addressing reporters on Monday on the firearms amnesty period which kicked off today and will end on 11 April, Mthethwa said the reduction of the number of firearms in circulation was an important part of the police's strategy to combat violent crime. "What prompted us to... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: AllAfrica.com

South Africa,Angola,Togo

"Guns and Football Do Not Go Together"

11 January 2010

Times Live (South Africa)

Head of the 2010 local organising committee (LOC) Danny Jordaan described as "stupid" people who questioned South Africa's security measures for the World Cup after Friday's attack on the Togolese soccer team. "It doesn't make sense. If a bomb went off in Spain, do you think I should call England to ask about what the impact is on the Olympics England is organising? I think if something happens in France, you'll know it happened in France, not elsewhere," the LOC head... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Times Live (South Africa)

Six Dead, Three Injured in Kenyan Christmas Assault Rifle Ambush

26 December 2009

Cape Times (Capetown)

Six people were killed and three others injured on Friday night when three men armed with R5 and AK-47 rifles entered a Ngwane house and opened fire, Kwa-Zulu Natal police said on Saturday. According to National Police Commissioner, Bheki Cele, the gunmen entered the house at 11.30pm. "A group of 11 friends were enjoying themselves when the three men entered. They simply opened fire on the group," said Cele. Those killed in the attack include four men, aged between... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Cape Times (Capetown)

Police Urge Safe Storage, Gun Owners Protest Destruction in South Africa

20 December 2009

SABC News / SAPA

People who own firearms and have a valid claim to them are set to start making presentations to National Police Commissioner Bheki Cele explaining why they should not be destroyed. According to a notice in the Government Gazette published on December 14, the State intends destroying all firearms and ammunition voluntarily surrendered or forfeited. Cele says the presentations should be made within 21 days after the publication of the notice. The representation must... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: SABC News / SAPA

Bust Yields 10 Stolen Firearms, Owners Urged to Lock Up Guns in Gauteng

18 December 2009

South African Press Association

"A total of ten stolen firearms were recovered when these arrests were made," said Senior Superintendent Eugene Opperman. Those arrested will appear in different courts in the province shortly. Opperman said legal gun owners should take steps to safe-guard their firearms and ammunition over the holiday season. "Firearms should be securely locked away in a prescribed safe, or otherwise it should be in the possession of the legal gun owner at all times." Car boots or... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: South African Press Association

Police Seize Illegal Firearms in Conflict-ridden Greytown, South Africa

15 December 2009

Mercury (Durban)

Although 16 unlicensed firearms were recovered in Greytown at the weekend, police believe stability has returned to the conflict-ridden town since the temporary deployment of the National Intervention Unit in June. Police Captain Thulane Zwane said the unit had been deployed after a series of violent incidents before and after the general elections. Several people, including IFP and ANC councillors, were shot and killed in attacks. Zwane said that in an operation... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Mercury (Durban)

President Zuma, Gun Ownership and What the Gun Crime Trends Tell Us

29 October 2009

Independent (Dhaka)

On Sunday 25 October 2009 at a political rally in Limpopo province, South African President Jacob Zuma publicly raised concerns about the number of firearms in the hands of private citizens. In a move that is sure to anger the pro-gun lobby, Zuma suggested that a review of legislation governing firearm ownership was necessary in light of the country's crime challenges and the number of legally owned firearms stolen from citizens. President Zuma's comments were made in... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Independent (Dhaka)

Too Many Guns in the Hands of South African Citizens - President Zuma

25 October 2009

South African Press Association

JOHANNESBURG — President Jacob Zuma has raised concerns about current guns laws, saying there were too many guns in South Africa, SABC News reported on Sunday. "This country which has such a high level of violent crime, has too many guns in the hands of the citizens," he said at a rally outside Tzaneen in Limpopo. "We need to look at the law, whether we should all have guns." Zuma said even people who had legal firearms could have them stolen by criminals. "They... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: South African Press Association

More AK-47 Robberies, Shootings in South African Shopping Malls

22 October 2009

Times (South Africa)

Despite police promises to curb shopping mall robberies, there have been at least three armed heists in the past week — including a large-scale assault on Menlyn Retail Park, in Pretoria. In the latest incident, a security guard was injured and a shopper had a close encounter with death. The drama began at 9am yesterday when at least 12 armed men simultaneously robbed a jewellery store and a bank in the mall. Police said the suspects drove around Menlyn Retail... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Times (South Africa)

South Africa 'Too Armed: Too Many Guns Floating Around,' Says President

8 October 2009

Business Day (Johannesburg)

President Jacob Zuma yesterday criticised the level of gun ownership in SA, hinting at the possible tightening of firearm licence regulations. Zuma repeated his call for tough action against violent crime, saying criminals should not be allowed more rights than law-abiding citizens. "We need to be firm to those who undermine the human rights of others," he said in Pretoria at the official launch of the presidential hotline. Zuma's government is pushing for police to... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Business Day (Johannesburg)

Gun Owners Due Millions Following South African Ministers' 'Bungling'

1 September 2009

South African Press Association

The Cape High Court has given Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa 90 days to draw up guidelines for compensation for firearms surrendered under the gun control law. The ruling could result in pay-outs totalling millions of rands for gun owners who have handed in weapons since 2004. The order was handed down on Monday by Acting Judge President Jeanette Traverso, who at the same time slapped down an attempt by Mthethwa to distance himself from the bungling of his... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: South African Press Association

5 Years to Get a Firearm Licence: South African Gun Owners Need Longer

11 August 2009

South African Press Association

The Freedom Front Plus says it is talking to Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa about allowing firearm owners who failed to re-register their weapons earlier this year, as required by law, an opportunity to do so. In terms of the Firearms Control Act, gun owners had until March 31 this year to re-register. This deadline was later extended to June 30. FF Plus police spokesperson Pieter Groenewald said in a statement on Tuesday that there were "serious problems" with the... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: South African Press Association

Zimbabwe,South Africa,Congo (ROC),Montenegro,United States

US, Congo, Zimbabwe, Montenegro All Involved in Gun Running - Report

12 July 2009

Sunday Independent (South Africa)

Zimbabwe is not only stockpiling modern weapons, but is circumventing sanctions by exporting arms to the US via Eastern Europe, according to a report to be released this week. According to the International Peace Information Service (IPIS), a Belgian research hub, the situation in Zimbabwe is a good example of why the UN-proposed Arms Trade Treaty needs to be as comprehensive as possible. Throughout last year, when the political climate was at its most volatile, the... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Sunday Independent (South Africa)

Some Gun Owners Try to Save Firearms from Destruction in South Africa

30 June 2009

Cape Argus (Cape Town)

Gun owners from across Cape Town have been streaming into dealerships in the vain hope of retrieving the weapons they either sold or handed over voluntarily, in the wake of a Pretoria High Court ruling that the old licences are still valid. Previously, gun owners who missed the deadline for licence renewals were expected to hand in their weapons to police by midnight on Tuesday. But that changed with the High Court ruling on Friday, after police were apparently unable... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Cape Argus (Cape Town)

Shooting Lobby Wins Temporary Gun Licensing Reprieve in South Africa

26 June 2009

South African Press Association

The SA Gunowners Association said it was pleased with Friday's Pretoria court ruling that gave more than one million gun owners who have not yet applied for their licences a temporary reprieve. Judge Bill Prinsloo of the city's High Court granted an interim interdict to the SA Hunters and Game Conservation Association, declaring that firearm licences obtained under the old Arms and Ammunition Act would be deemed valid for the time being. The order would remain in... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: South African Press Association

Gun Owners Up In Arms as Final Legal Deadline Looms in South Africa

25 June 2009

South African Press Association

BLOEMFONTEIN — Police are intimidating South African gun owners and defrauding citizens of their lawful property, black firearm owners said on Thursday. Chairperson of the Black Gun Owners Association of South Africa (BGOASA), Abios Khoele, said the police had "legalised" theft and fraud. "The association is shocked to find that the police are still insisting that they can fine and imprison one million firearm owners and continue to intimidate and defraud citizens... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: South African Press Association

Last-ditch Appeal by Shooters' Lobby to Overturn South African Gun Law

24 June 2009

South African Press Association

It would be an "exceptionally dangerous thing" to upset new firearms legislation at this late stage, the High Court in Pretoria heard today. Counsel for the minister of police, Pat Ellis SC, argued that the SA Hunters and Game Conservation Association was in effect asking the court to amend an Act of Parliament, pending the finalisation of their application to have certain sections of the Firearms Control Act declared unconstitutional. The Association applied for an... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: South African Press Association

Given 5 Years to Get a Gun Licence, South African Shooters Sue for More

24 June 2009

South African Press Association

The SA Hunters and Game Conservation Association has asked the High Court in Pretoria to extend the deadline for the renewal of gun licences, reports said today. SABC radio news reported that the association launched an urgent bid requesting an extension of the implementation of the new Firearms Control Act which comes into effect on July 1, 2009. Lawyer Bertus Bergenthuin told the court the government was unable to deal with the administrative load brought upon by... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: South African Press Association

Gun Owners Could Face Arrest After Disposing of Guns, Say Shooters

17 June 2009

South African Press Association

BLOEMFONTEIN — Thousands of South African firearm owners who have legally disposed of their firearms could be on the wrong side of the law due to no fault of their own by next month, a hunting body said on Monday. Confederation of Hunters Associations of South Africa (Chasa) spokesperson Neil Jones said many of its members and members of the public who were under the impression they had "legally disposed of" their firearms could face the possibility of arrest next... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: South African Press Association

Johannesburg Arms Dealer Gunned Down Because He Knew Too Much?

7 June 2009

Cape Argus (Cape Town)

Arms dealer and manufacturer Ivan Monsieur should maybe have known better. Six months before his mysterious death on Tuesday in an apparent hit carried out by men in police uniform, Monsieur's home had been invaded by three similarly uniformed men, demanding entry on the pretext of police business. They had then put a gun to the head of Monsieur's wife Shengie. The bogus cops, by her testimony, then forced her to open Monsieur's safe. They took R300 000 before... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Cape Argus (Cape Town)

Murder of South African Gun Dealer Opens Up a Political Can of Worms

7 June 2009

Citizen (Johannesburg)

JOHANNESBURG — The execution of a prominent arms dealer who attempted to expose illegal weapons trading and a hijacking syndicate operating within the metro police department is turning up more questions than answers. Belgian-born Ivan Monsieur founded New Generation Ammunition in 1991. The company is the only privately owned entity in South Africa licensed to produce new and remanufactured ammunition for both commercial and military use. Before merging with Denel,... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Citizen (Johannesburg)

Gun Theft, Diversion Fall Again Under Tougher South African Gun Laws

5 June 2009

Institute for Security Studies (Tshwane)

Statistics in the South African Police Service (SAPS) 2007-2008 annual report indicate that the numbers of illegally used firearms that have been reported lost or stolen have decreased compared to the previous financial year. This has perpetuated a trend that started in 1999. The annual report further indicated that there has been an increase in the number of recovered firearms in the 2007/08 financial year. Both positive developments can be linked to the establishment... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Institute for Security Studies (Tshwane)

Armed Pretoria Gun Dealer Shot Dead in 'Hit' On His Way to Work

5 June 2009

Cape Argus (Cape Town)

A Pretoria arms dealer, who also worked as a police reservist, has been gunned down in a suspected hit close to his home. Ivan Monsieur, 56, a police reservist at the Midrand police station, was shot dead this week while en route to his office in Lyttelton. Monsieur was off-duty when he was shot. He was the chief executive of New Generation Ammunition (NGA), an ammunition manufacturing and weapons importing and exporting business which he had owned for 17 years. NGA... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Cape Argus (Cape Town)

Gun-owner Panic in Last-minute Rush to Licence South African Firearms

1 April 2009

South African Press Association

JOHANNESBURG — Gun Owners of South Africa (Gosa) on Wednesday demanded that the firearm licence renewal process be suspended. In a statement, the firearm association said the renewal process should be suspended until the South African Police Service (Saps) was able to complete the gun licence renewal applications they had already received. "Saps should also roll out the compensation owed to those who were due to renew, who surrendered guns licensed under the Arms... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: South African Press Association

Last-minute Rush to Renew Gun Licence or Lose Firearms in South Africa

31 March 2009

Pretoria News

Thousands of people swamped Pretoria's police stations in a desperate last-minute attempt to renew their firearms licences. Since the start of the firearms licence renewal process in 2005, 620 000 applications have been processed across South Africa. According to police, the number is believed to rise to more than 700 000 as those who left their applications until Tuesday — the cut-off period — dash to firearm registration centres set up at police stations across... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Pretoria News

Museum Director Sues South African Police Over Arms Raid, Arrest

5 March 2009

Independent (South Africa) / SAPA

PRETORIA - A museum director told the Pretoria High Court on Thursday that he was never asked for any documentation, and without any warning of his rights, was arrested and cuffed to his colleague. SA National Military History Museum director John Keene spent a second day in the witness box in court. He and two of the museum's curators, Richard Henry and Susanne Blendulf, are suing the ministers of Safety and Security and Defence for almost R1.9 million in... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Independent (South Africa) / SAPA

South African Missionary Lobbies for Right to Carry Hidden Handguns

16 January 2009

Voice of America

South African missionary and author Charl Van Wyk says law-abiding citizens have the "right and duty" to bear firearms to protect themselves and their loved ones. In his book, Shooting Back, he makes the argument based on his unique experience: First, he's been working for almost two decades in some of the most dangerous places on earth. And second, Van Wyk is a survivor of one of South Africa's most notorious criminal attacks. At the time, police credited him with... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Voice of America

South Africa Should Ban Gun Carrying for 2010 World Cup Soccer - IANSA

9 January 2009

Times (Johannesburg), Opinion

The horrific shooting of ANC councillor Jimmy Mohlala has again ignited concerns that the 2010 soccer World Cup will be blighted by security problems. There has been much speculation about a possible political motivation for the killing because Mohlala blew the whistle on alleged corruption in a 2010 construction project last year. This of, course, must be investigated thoroughly by the police. To the outside world, his murder reinforces many countries' misgivings... (GunPolicy.org)

Read More: Times (Johannesburg)

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