SOUTH AFRICA FACES RESURGENCE IN MASS SHOOTINGS

Fri 01 November 2024:

South Africa – Mass shootings are not new to South Africa, but they have become increasingly common in recent years, particularly in provinces such as the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Gauteng.

In an interview with Salaamedia, Adele Kirsten, Director of Gun Free South Africa, identified the illegal circulation of firearms as a significant factor driving these tragic incidents. Many of these weapons originate from stolen or fraudulently obtained legal stock, further fueling violence within communities.

To combat this, Kirsten believes that authorities must focus on both recovering illegal firearms and preventing further supply through multiple avenues, including search-and-seizure operations and stricter controls at crime scenes.

However, she stressed that recovery alone is not sufficient—law enforcement must trace the origins of these weapons to disrupt the channels through which they enter illegal markets.

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This requires cutting off supply chains from both legal and illegal sources, including thefts from police stores, corruption within private security firms, and leaks from state armouries. Without addressing these root causes, firearms will continue to flow into the wrong hands.

“There are two very distinct actions required to help reduce the circulation of firearms. The first is to recover guns already in circulation through search-and-seizure operations and recovery at crime scenes. Once this is achieved, SAPS must track and trace these firearms to understand their origin and supply chain.”

“The second key action is to “turn off the tap” by stopping further supply. This involves not only mopping up the existing circulation but also significantly reducing new inflows. The supply of illegal firearms often originates from legal stocks, including civilian sources such as individuals and the private security industry, as well as state sources. “

While South Africa’s gun laws are comprehensive and well-structured, their effectiveness is weakened by inconsistent enforcement.

Kirsten highlighted that courts rarely impose the maximum penalties for illegal gun possession, and police do not consistently apply laws that allow for the confiscation of firearms in high-risk situations, such as domestic violence cases.

This failure to enforce the law leaves communities vulnerable and enables firearms to remain in circulation. She emphasised that even the most carefully crafted laws will have little impact without stronger enforcement.

“Our own country was very effective in reducing gun deaths post-1994, during a period when we experienced some of the highest murder rates. In the late 1990s, South Africa recorded 34-gun deaths per day.”

“However, the introduction of new gun laws in 2000 led to significant progress. Over a ten-year period, gun deaths were reduced by almost half. By 2009, data showed that the number had dropped to 18-gun deaths per day. “

“Unfortunately, the country is now facing a resurgence, with the current rate back up to 33-gun deaths per day. The most impactful intervention in the past was focused on restricting access to firearms and reducing their availability.”

Addressing gaps in law enforcement, tackling corruption, and improving the management of the Central Firearms Registry are crucial steps toward meaningful progress. Only by closing these loopholes can South Africa hope to reduce gun violence and create safer communities.