Firearm owners will seek a court interdict on Wednesday to stop government from enacting legislation to control the ownership of guns.
The SA Gunowners Association spokesperson Martin Hood said on Friday the Firearms Control Act was a threat to the country’s security and its citizens.
”We do not want the legislation to be implemented as it will lead to the criminalisation of tens of thousands of gun owners,” Hood said.
”The act will also lead to the complete collapse of security, gun dealerships and hunting industries, which collectively amount to billions of rands.”
Hood said the association had attempted since March to engage the government with queries and concerns arising out of the manner in which the act would be executed.
”Unfortunately none of these concerns have either been acknowledged or addressed in a meaningful manner,” he said.
Hood said as a consequence of the breakdown in communication, the association concluded that there was no option but to approach the courts.
The interdict would be filed in the Pretoria High Court and respondents would be President Thabo Mbeki, Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula and the SAPS’ National Commissioner, Jackie Selebi. ‒ Sapa