Post Date: 14 February 2023
Dear Member,
SAGA Chair, Damian Enslin, was interviewed live on Newzroom Afrika yesterday evening and has issued a press release today. Below is a link to the interview and underneath that is the press release.
SAGA is fighting for your firearm rights. Ensure your membership is up to date and encourage other firearm owners to join SAGA.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVikspN9x9U
SAGA Press Release: 14 February 2023
LAW-ABIDING GUN OWNERS STAND UP AGAINST MISLEADING BLAME IN SA’S FIGHT AGAINST VIOLENCE
With heavy hearts, the South African Gunowners’ Association (the SAGA Trust) extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Kiernan “AKA” Forbes, who was tragically taken from us in Durban last week.
We acknowledge the reality of the high crime rate and violence in South Africa, but we reject the false narrative that guns are the root cause of the problem. According to a recent study by the Research platform Wisevoter, only 4.87 deaths per 100,000 people in South Africa were caused by firearms, while 16.95 were caused by stabbings. With a population of 60.6 million, this equates to tens of thousands of South Africans being affected by violence that has nothing to do with firearms.
We take issue with the misleading information being spread by organizations like Gunfree South Africa and the recent statement by Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, who calls for stronger gun laws as the solution to violence. The proper use, ownership, and training in firearms can lead to a safer society, which more restrictions on law-abiding citizens cannot do.
To truly combat the high crime rate in South Africa, we need a multi-faceted approach. This includes effective policing, better leadership, neighbourhood watches, and a focus on education and rehabilitation programs to address the root causes of violence. The South African National Police Service (SAPS) has long struggled to fulfil its mandate of combating and investigating crime, and its recent restructuring has only further handicapped its ability to serve and protect the public.
It’s clear that poor leadership is the real issue at hand, as demonstrated by the recent riots in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng that resulted in the death of 337 people and widespread destruction, while the police seemed unable or unwilling to intervene.
The SAGA Trust believes in the importance of advocating for the proper use, ownership, and training in firearms as a means of promoting safety and security in South Africa. We cannot allow false information and political agendas to dictate the conversation on violence and crime in our communities.
In light of these recent events, we call on the government to prioritize addressing the root causes of the high crime rate in South Africa, including the ineffective and under-resourced policing. It’s time for a comprehensive approach to reducing violence in South Africa, and this starts with acknowledging the real issues and working together to find effective solutions.
Issued by: The SAGA Trust
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