KZN Top Cop’s Stance on Armed Self-Defense Receives AfriForum Endorsement

In a move that underscores the importance of responsible firearm use, KwaZulu-Natal's Police Commissioner, Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has publicly encouraged license holders to stand their ground against perpetrators. This perspective aligns with AfriForum's stance on community safety - emphasizing that legally armed citizens can play a pivotal role in safeguarding themselves and those around them from criminal activity. The prominent civil rights organization, AfriForum, has extended its commendation towards the top cop's remarks.

Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi's statement is grounded in the harsh reality that disarmed law-abiding citizens become easy targets, with their confiscated guns often contributing to the cycle of crime and violence. AfriForum’s chief spokesperson for Community Safety, Jacques Broodryk, while echoing the Commissioner's sentiments, did not shy away from pointing out an uncomfortable truth: that the South African Police Service (SAPS) has inadvertently supplied firearms to criminals - a significant issue, particularly with gang activities in the Western Cape.

AfriForum's response emphasizes the dual nature of firearm ownership: it is both a fundamental right and a critical duty. The organization insists that owning a firearm should go hand-in-hand with proficiency in its use, especially in life-threatening scenarios where hesitation or misuse could have dire consequences. For this reason, regular and intensive training is advocated, preparing gun owners not just for the act of defense, but for doing so within the legal framework.

These sentiments arrive amidst growing concerns about crime rates and the general safety of communities within South Africa. AfriForum’s commitment to raising the bar on community safety is evident through its provision of specialised training programmes to neighbourhood watch members - aimed at constructing a well-prepared, skillful, and law-abiding firearm-owning community.

Acknowledging the gravity of the Commissioner's admonition, AfriForum critically articulates that ending the vicious cycle of weapon-related crimes is not solely about the act of self-defense, but equally about the vigilant responsibility and control exercised by firearm owners themselves. It is not just about having a gun; it is about the expertise to use it judiciously and effectively, a standpoint avidly advocated and supported through training initiatives by AfriForum's division for Community Safety.