Gun Free SA assures owners they will have a say on draft Firearms Control Amendment Bill

CAPE TOWN - Gun Free South Africa (GFSA) has assured gun owners they will get a chance to have their say on the draft Firearms Control Amendment Bill when the proposed legislation goes to Parliament.

Foundation for Rights of Expression and Equality (Free SA) is concerned that firearms stakeholders are being excluded from legislative discussions on the draft 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.

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

Free SA spokesperson Reuben Coetzer said its repeated calls for meaningful engagement n legislative changes in the proposed bill have fallen on deaf ears.

"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."

GFSA spokesperson Stanley Maphosa says the draft bill is still being reviewed at the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) before going to parliament.

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

Maphosa said the draft legislationwill be open to broader public engagement when it goes to Parliament.