The Freedom Front Plus has come out strongly in support of legal firearm owners and their rights. With the dialogue concerning crime and illegal guns reaching hysterical and ridiculous levels the last couple of days, it is wonderful to see a political party with Parliamentary clout unapologetically speaking out on our behalf.
Afriforum has recently done the same, referring to the ANC’s commentary regarding gun ownership as “emotional”.
This isn’t a political blog, and before anyone gets upset at me for running press releases from these two organisations, let me make one thing crystal clear: I will give airtime to any organisation or political party who supports my rights as a firearm owner. If the ANC, COSATU, or the EFF came out in support of my rights, you can bet your bottom dollar that I would gladly run those releases on this blog. And I would do it with pride.
If you are unhappy that your political party hasn’t pledged support for our cause, then I suggest you seriously consider taking this matter up with them pronto. This isn’t the time for sitting on the fence: now is the time to get rears-in-gear and get things done.
In the meantime, big-ups to Pieter Groenewald (FF+) and Ian Cameron (Afriforum).
Legal firearm owners not the cause of violent crime in SA
2014-11-04
Dr Pieter Groenewald
Legal firearm owners are not the cause for violent crime in South Africa and focus should rather be placed on other causes such as the SA Police Service which lost more than 18 000 firearms in five years, Dr. Pieter Groenewald, the chief spokesperson on Police for the Freedom Front Plus says.
Dr. Groenewald said the call is increasingly being made – including from prominent people in the country – for stricter firearm legislation due to the high levels of violent crime and the ANC is at the forefront of this.
“The FF Plus says you are misleading yourself if you believe that stricter firearm legislation which will restrict gun-ownership will restrict crime. A disarmed community is exactly what criminals want. It will increase crime and there have been numerous scientific studies done which proves this point.
“The problem is illegal firearms such as that of the Police Service which lost more than 18 000 firearms over a five year period. The question should rather be asked whether this isn’t where the problem lies.
“Crime has increased due to political interference in the Police, corruption, poor management and a lack of discipline. This and the legal justice system should first be put in order before focus is placed on legal firearm owners, because they are not the problem and cause of violent crime,” Dr. Groenewald said.
ANC should focus on taking care of its own firearms – AfriForum
Ian Cameron 31 October 2014
AfriForum today said the consideration by Government to amend the Firearms Control Act again, will expose law-abiding citizens even more to crime, and that this decision is based on an emotional, irresponsible reaction.
“The ANC Government reacts on emotion, following the murder of our Bafana Bafana Captain, Senzo Meyiwa in Vosloorus the past week. Firearms however do not kill people, people kill people,” Ian Cameron, Head of Community Safety at AfriForum, said.
Cameron said Government should realise that amendments to laws will not bring crime under control, but that the execution of current laws and the prosecution of criminals should be more effective.
The South African Police Service earlier this month confirmed to AfriForum, following a PAIA application, that about 2 300 government registered firearms have been reported as stolen or missing since 1 January 2009.
“Two R5 rifles were confiscated next to the N1 in Gauteng yesterday. These are police firearms which are used by robbers. The police and Government have to ensure that their house is in order before law-abiding citizens are adversely affected,” Cameron added.
“Government should be more responsible with their statements and should first execute current laws to their disposal efficiently. About one third of SAPS officers are not competent to handle firearms. This should rather be corrected to get the police up to standard.”
Statement issued by Ian Cameron, Head: Community Safety, AfriForum, October 31 2014
Peter Moss
•8 years ago
This party has supported firearm owners through think and thin. I wish firearm owners would think next time they vote who supports them and return the favour. Nothing in this world is free.
Andries
•8 years ago
V+ jy kry my volgende stem!! hou aan met julle goeie werk!!