Read the full judgment on Saflii

Gun ownership is not a fundamental right under our Bill of Rights.  It is a privilege regulated by law, under the Firearms Control Act (Act).  The purpose of the Act is to:

“(a)      enhance the constitutional rights to life and bodily integrity;

(b)        prevent the proliferation of illegally possessed firearms and, by providing for the removal of those firearms from society and by improving control over legally possessed firearms, to prevent crime involving the use of firearms;

(c)        enable the state to remove illegally possessed firearms from society, to control the supply, possession, safe storage, transfer and use of firearms and to detect and punish the negligent or criminal use of firearms;

(d)        establish a comprehensive and effective system of firearm control and management; and

(e)        ensure the efficient monitoring and enforcement of legislation pertaining to the control of firearms.”