Proposed gun law changes will place women at greater risk of gender-based violence – IRR
8 June 2021
The Institute of Race Relations (IRR) warns that proposed changes to South Africa’s gun laws will place women at greater risk of gender-based violence.
IRR analyst Amy-Claire Morton recently interviewed the spokesperson for Girls On Fire, Tshepi Mmekwa, on what the consequences of the proposed changes to the Firearms Control Act would be for women.
One of the proposed amendments is to outlaw gun ownership for self-defence.
Minister of Police Bheki Cele commented recently that “(armed) citizens won’t solve the country’s high crime rate,” adding: “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 homes.”