These proposals included that no firearm licences may be issued for self-defense purposes and a proposal for the limitation on the number of firearm licences an occasional hunter may hold. To get the hunting industry’s perspective on this, OFM News’ Lee Simmons speaks to Fred Camphor, CEO of the SA Hunters Association…

He says that there are a number of other proposed amendments to the Firearms Control Act that are impractical and unfair.

Camphor says “pertinent to our members are the imposed restriction of firearm licences in terms of section 16, which limits dedicated hunters and sport shooters to a maximum of six legal firearms as well as the criminalising of those firearm owners who reload ammunition.”

The current legislation is already cumbersome and complex, resulting in an immense administrative burden on the SAPS to effectively ensure compliance.

“It is abundantly clear that the proposed Amendment Bill provides for even more control and subsequently becomes even more complex, cumbersome, and difficult to implement. From the proposed changes it is clear that from the onset this piece of draft legislation was developed to change the Act from enabling to limiting,” adds Camphor.

He ends by saying that the SA Hunters Association has consulted a legal team regarding legal action in this drafted legislation in case legal representation may be required.