Having made a concerted effort to implement gun control since 2000, South Africa now maintains very strict gun laws. To legally obtain a gun, the prospective buyer must first undergo a background check that includes an interview with a spouse or partner, as well as two other people. Next is a competency requirement that includes proper training. The applicant then provides a detailed explanation of why he or she should own a firearm. Finally, police have the ultimate say on whether or not a gun license is awarded.
Since we know the cause-and-effect of gun control and crime in the U.S., is it any surprise to hear that Cape Town gun crime is on the rise? Last year, 633 homicides were committed with firearms. Not only are the guns in the hands of criminals only, but with far too few convictions, the bad guys are remaining on the streets where citizens are unarmed and defenseless.
