Reduce the number of guns and you will reduce crime in South Africa.

That is what non-profit Gun Free South Africa (GFSA) said on Tuesday after the release of the 2017/18 crime statistics.

Guns were the weapon of choice for more than four out of every 10 murders (41.3%) and almost six out of 10 aggravated robberies (59.5%).

“Violent crime has not been this high since late 1990‚ when the number of guns in South Africa peaked.

“Our success or failure in fighting crime is, to a large extent, dependent on how effectively managed [the Central Firearms Registry (CFR)] is. …Its effectiveness cannot be compromised.

The news that newly proposed firearms legislation would no longer recognise self-defence as a valid reason to own a firearm, has been met with anger, despair, and disbelief. And not only by those who own a gun.

Feedback from Saai’s members clearly indicates that farmers will not allow their proposed disarmament.

Any prospective piece of legislation must be evaluated from two perspectives. The first is whether the goal is to be supported.

The rioting and civil unrest that gripped KwaZulu-Natal and parts of Gauteng saw the destruction of numerous businesses and plenty of infrastructure.