Wapenbeheer: die posisie van die wapeneienaar in Suid-Afrika

The position of the gun-owner was changed drastically when the Firearms Control Act60 of 2000 took effect on 1 July 2004. This Act repealed the Arms and Ammunition Act75 of 1969; the latter Act had regulated the possession of arms and ammunition since 1972. The Firearms Control Actis strict and detailed, and was amended a number of times by ministerial regulations before it came into force. It is obvious that an arms license is not easily obtainable, and gun-owners are concerned about these strict provisions. This article deals, first, with the position of the gun-owner in terms of the Arms and Ammunition Actand possible reasons for repealing this Act are indicated; secondly, the position of the gun-owner under the Firearms Control Actis scrutinised. Both the benefits and disadvantages of the new legislation are examined and recommendations are made.