FREE SA worried that firearms stakeholders being excluded from talks on draft Firearms Control Amendment Bill

CAPE TOWN - The Foundation for Rights of Expression and Equality (FREE SA) is concerned about firearms stakeholders being excluded from legislative discussions on the draft Firearms Control Amendment Bill.

The proposed bill includes limitations on firearms and licenses for hunters and sports shooters, and reduced ammunition for licensed firearm owners, among other limitations.

The foundation said its repeated calls for meaningful engagement on legislative changes in the proposed bill had fallen on deaf ears.

FREE SA spokesperson, Reuben Coetzer, said that the proposed legislation for the draft Firearms Control Amendment Bill was not just about gun control, it was about power and accountability.

"We are particularly concerned with the failure to consult those most affected by this, including legal gun owners, instructors and women who use firearms for protection."

Gun-Free South Africa spokesperson Stanley Maphosa said the draft bill was being reviewed at the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) before it goes to Parliament tobe considered.

"NEDLAC allows community, labour and business representatives to weigh in on policy proposals."

Maphosa said that, unlike Parliament, NEDLAC was not designed for broad public engagement.