Shooting tragedy puts gun safety rules in spotlight
'It is a myth to think that training a child to not pick up a gun will safeguard them'
GUN safety was cast into the spotlight this week following the weekend family tragedy in Macekane in which an 11-year-old boy is believed to have shot his sister (2) before turning the gun on himself.
The story hit national and international media headlines after reports indicated that the father, a local prison warder, had left his service pistol on a bed before leaving home.
In aGUN safety was cast into the spotlight this week following the weekend family tragedy in Macekane in which an 11-year-old boy is believed to have shot his sister (2) before turning the gun on himself.
The story hit national and international media headlines after reports indicated that the father, a local prison warder, had left his service pistol on a bed before leaving home.
ALSO READ: New information about children’s fatal shooting incident
In an interview with the ZO, Director of Gun Free South Africa, Adele Kirsten, said it is not possible to teach a child not to play with a gun.
‘The gun that is bought and brought into the home with the belief that it will protect the family and loved ones against external danger and threat, often becomes the source of danger and is the biggest threat to the safety of the family.
‘It is also not possible to gun proof children. It is a myth to think that training a child to not pick up a gun will safeguard them.
‘Children are by nature curious, they will want to explore, and in some instances find the keys to the safe.
‘The best way to safeguard the family is not to have a gun in the home.
‘The issue of law enforcement officials taking their guns home – whether SAPS members, metro cops and correctional services officials – is something that needs some discussion – both within those institutions and also in the public. Perhaps it’s time to be having that conversation.
‘It’s an unfathomable to think what the parents of the children are going through right now,’ said Kirsten.
While the public prosecutor will be left to decide whether the father and owner of the gun will be charged lawfully with negligence in terms of safety, the Firearms Control Act (FCA) is very clear.
Section 20 of both the FCA and FCA regulations impose rigorous safety requirements for holders of licences.
It notes:
• A storage place (safe) is specified and the licensee is required to store the firearm at the specified place.
• The licensee may put the firearm on public display provided that:
(a) the firearm is unloaded;
(b) the firearm, if it is a handgun, is displayed in a lockable display cabinet;
(c) where the firearm is on open display, it must be rendered inoperable by means of a secure locking device;
(d) the firearm is securely attached to a non-portable structure on which, or in which, it is displayed by a metal attachment, chain, metal cable or similar device in such manner that the firearm cannot readily be removed; and
(e) the firearm is not displayed with, and is not readily accessible to, ammunition that can be discharged from it, except where such firearm or ammunition is displayed in a locked display cabinet or similar device.
Vote for your favourite business in Zululand here: BestofZululand.co.za
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
