Police Committee gives more time to consider comments on firearms control bill

The chairperson of the portfolio committee on police, Tina Joemat-Pettersson said that “the decision to do so was based on the need for inclusivity, to achieve consensus and the requirement that the bill should reflect the public’s views”.

Joemat-Pettersson said public participation was the bedrock of South Africa’s constitutional democracy.

“Everything must be done to safeguard the rights of all South Africans.”

The bill was published in the Gazette for public discussion in May.

The firearms control amendment bill 2021 replaces the firearms control amendment bill of 2015.

It seeks to amend and strengthen the firearms control act.

According to police minister General Bheki Cele in May, the number of comments had been growing.

“The interest and the vast number of comments received so far indicate that South Africans are making their voices heard in this matter,” he said.

“We urge the public to continue with this momentum as all comments will be scrutinised and those considered useful will be incorporated to strengthen the provisions of the bill.

“The proposed amendments respond to the non-proliferation of firearms in South Africa and the strengthening application processes for firearm and ammunition licences and the management of firearms and ammunition.

“South Africans should take comfort in that the proposed amendments were not taken lightly: extensive research, consultations with various stakeholders preceded the proposed amendments.”

He said the amendments should not be interpreted as though the government was looking into disarming citizens.

“There is no right to bear arms in our constitution. The act in its current form grants no such right to citizens either, owning a gun in this country remains a privilege made possible through the act.”

He said that arming citizens would not solve the country’s high crime rate.

“The mere possession of a firearm can lead to increased rates of victimisation; both for the gun owner and those living in the household. Simply put, this proposed change in law also has the potential to mean the difference between life and death for hundreds of women who are in the clutches of their abusers, inside their own homes,” Cele said.

He said the police ministry was further convinced that the firearms control amendment bill was the key to a safer South Africa.

The bill can be accessed on the civilian secretariat for the police’s website by clicking here.