19 February 2007, by Judy B. in Johannesburg.  If we can't control guns we should ban it. It is the most preferred tool/weapon in violent crime in South Africa and yet we are not willing to take radical action against it.
The "big" talk in South Africa is about the crime situation amongst all the other big issues we have like 2010 readiness of the stadiums etc. Not mentioning the word...corruption and especially the arms deal mnnnn!
People are outraged about the crime situation in South Africa, petitions and you name it make the headlines daily. I must have "missed the boat" as no where do I hear any suggestions of different strategies/actions to PREVENT, ease the violence and crime in this beloved country. Actually this is not true to say so. I did hear things like, we must lock away all the criminals and government did say we will get more police. Comforting news? Not for me really. I just don"t think we understand crime and want to understand it. The issue of injustice on all levels must be addressed if we want to see change in crime patterns.
All I hear is that the President must do something. I really hope he will come out and be the other Messiah we are waiting for. Doesn"t look like it." OTHER "things need attention on his agenda.
Back to my theme guns, it is guns that are ruling us and have bizarre power over us in creating deep fear. The truth is no one is safe as long as we have the availability of guns like we have here, what a sad legacy. This is why Gun Free South Africa was birthed. How can we talk about safety and security when the gun is the most preferred tool in crime and violent crime? Are we safe and secure? Not yet.
We are making progress with the Firearms Control Act (our gun laws).Gun control I suppose is what we have to be content with for the moment. It is a step closer to our vision.
What I really would like to see is courageous leaders to stand up and share our vision, a Gun Free South Africa.
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