GOSA Media Statement on the proposed amendments to the FCA

**Paul** · 17-10-2018, 13:42

MEDIA STATEMENT
For immediate release.

17 October 2018

Contact:

Tim Flack 0606054562

SAPS ARE ATTEMPTING TO REMOVE SELF DEFENSE AS A REASON TO OWN A FIREARM.

Once again SAPS leadership has proven that they are not serious about the lives of citizens in South Africa. On Wednesday a draft amendment bill to the firearms control act was released. We have perused the document and are absolutely outraged at this development.

In essence what the draft amendment bill sets to achieve is the following:

Section 13 and 14 are repealed. This means that self-defense is no longer a valid reason for owning a firearm, infringing on every South Africans’ right to life. A maximum of two (2) handguns for S16 (dedicated sports shooter), and a maximum of eight (8) firearms in total. You will need a medical certificate for applications, which means a breach of the constitutional rights of citizens right to privacy, opening them up to discrimination. All green licenses, which have been found by the courts to be valid for life will have to move over to the white licensing system with the additional restrictions. The establishment of a ballistics database; knowing well ballistic testing has proven to be ineffective. Muzzleloaders are now treated like all other firearms and all semi-auto shotgun and rifles are now going to monumentally more difficult to obtain.

The major concern we have is the right to life of law-abiding citizens. Crime is escalating at an alarming rate, whereby the criminals perpetrating these crimes are becoming increasingly violent. Taking away a means to effectively defend oneself will see to an increase in violent crimes committed against all South Africans, this cannot be allowed to happen.

We urge all law-abiding legal gun owners of South Africa to write to the chairperson of the Police Portfolio Committee, Mr. Francois Beukman expressing your dissatisfaction at this preposterous and uncalled for attack on your right to life, and the ability to protect yourself against the crime infestation we all face on a daily basis. fbeukman@parliament.gov.za

Now is not a time to roll over, in feeding the crocodile hoping to save your life you will only be eaten last. It is time to stand up and fight for your rights, not sit back and accept this. We urge all gun owners to join us in this fight.

PP Chairperson, Gun Owners South Africa
Paul Oxley.

**Virgildonatifan** · 17-10-2018, 13:54

I am completely deconfuckulated by this... Do these people live inside some sort of bubble with no interaction to the outside world???

**Davidc** · 17-10-2018, 14:00

Hardly surprising they are trying to force this through seeing the verdict in the constitutional court earlier this year where is was made abundantly clear that FA is not a right but a privilege.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**thomasnels** · 17-10-2018, 14:02

Shocking news !

**Adoons** · 17-10-2018, 14:02

WTF?? Seems like they now want to "get them firearm owners back" for not re licensing in time.

Only 2 handguns for sport shooting. Cannot work. 1 pistol and 1 revolver? Huh?

And only 8 in total? I can never ever hunt and do sport shooting with only a total of 8 firearms. It is just simply put impossible.

**ror123** · 17-10-2018, 14:10

https://www.pa.org.za/person/francois-beukman/

I see we can write a public message to him

**thomasnels** · 17-10-2018, 14:11

This article is posted on GOSA facebook page , here is a part ......must read http://paratus.info/2018/10/17/gun-ban-amendments/Ridiculous limits on S15 and S16 licence-holders

In addition to turning everyone into defenceless victims, sport shooters and hunters are also viciously targeted. You will be allowed a maximum of two handguns only. You will be allowed a maximum of 8 firearms only (if you have DSS).The maximum ammunition limit will be 25 rounds per licence. Yes, twenty-five. DSS-holders may apply for exemption, which will be granted under exceptional circumstances.In order to obtain a semi-auto rifle or shotgun (of which you are also only allowed to own a maximum of two each), you must first hold DSS for at least two years.Also, all S15 and S16 licences are valid for only 5 years.These proposed limits are of course purely arbitrary. They are not anchored in any rational argument or honest motive. The ability of sport shooters and hunters to own guns is certainly no threat to the safety of society. Quite the opposite, in fact. A healthy and vibrant sport shooting and hunting fraternity is the cornerstone of responsible and safe firearm ownership. The importance of these institutions cannot be overstated, and harming them will do infinitely more harm than good.