The reported remarks by president Jacob Zuma that there are too many privately owned firearms in circulation, creates questions about governments’ true intentions with the Firearms Control Act (Act 60 of 2000).

According to the president of TAU SA, Mr Ben Marais, the current act has already seriously affected the principle of private ownership when the owners of licensed firearms under the previous act, again had to confirm their proficiency and qualify to be declared competent. This required considerable cost, disruption and effort to relicense firearms already legally licensed. In this process many responsible owners of firearms had to dispose of their legitimate firearms to comply with the requirements of the new act.

On two occasions TAU SA lodged its’ objection at the highest level and proposed alternative arrangements. A memorandum dated 20 May 2008, was handed to Mr Mbeki, the former president during a Presidential Workgroup. Later, during a personal discussion with Mr Jacob Zuma prior to his election as president, the matter was again raised on 4 March 2009. Mr Zuma responded by referring to the good sense of responsibility generally displayed by farmers and against the background that they live and work in outlaying areas which contributes to their vulnerability to violent crime, he cannot understand why they should be negatively affected by the new act.

Feasible proposals, supported by several firearm-related member organizations, came to nothing.

TAU SA maintains that the state, as the biggest owner of firearms and which has not yet been subjected to an independent audit or confirmation of proficiency should be the president’s first priority when fingers are pointed to the irresponsible use of firearms. Recent reports indicate that many crimes are committed by criminals armed with R5 rifles which are exclusively owned by the state. With the exception of verbal warnings, no indication exists of prosecutions for negligence or organized theft which are causing ongoing loss of firearms.

The time has also arrived that the ANC publicly explains what has happened to the many consignments of armaments of which no account can be given.

 Issued by Ben Marais TAU SA President.