Gun Owners SA slams draft firearm legislation as ‘abomination’

The association has slammer the 2017 version of the draft Firearms Control Act that it says will make it harder for people to buy guns for self-defence.

The draft amends the use of guns as"not a right, but a privilege".

The association says the legislation also seeks to insert a new section "that provides that an applicant must provide to the satisfaction of the Registrar a valid reason for requiring a firearm licence, failing which a firearm licence may not be issued”. 

National police spokesperson Vish Naidoo has refused to comment on the issue, saying it forms part of an ongoing case against the association.

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The association has described the draft bill as a “ civil rights catastrophe”. 

"It's an abomination and that my most flattering description of it," vice-chairman Gideon Joubert says.

Joubert believes its is ridiculous for the government to restrict gun ownership given the high crime rate. 

"The police aren't responding and we can't keep you safe but you're not allowed to have guns to protect yourself either.” 

He adds that the bill will also have a massive impact on the hunting industry. 

Joubert says Gosa has not read the full draft and fears that "worse things to come the more we read through it”. 

Read full draft