A significant drop in firearm licence renewal applications has renewed debate over gun regulation in South Africa, with gun control advocates warning that thousands of firearms may now be unlawfully possessed, while firearm owners argue that administrative failures—not criminal intent—are driving the decline.
Research released by Gun Free South Africa (GFSA), based on annual reports from the South African Police Service (SAPS), found that firearm relicensing applications have fallen by 74% since the 2021/22 financial year, dropping from 213,631 applications to just 55,936 last year.
The findings were released around the commemoration of International Gun Destruction Day, highlighting concerns about firearm accountability and public safety.
Gun Control Group Warns of Rising Risks
GFSA researcher Claire Taylor said the organisation has monitored firearm relicensing data since 2006 and believes the current trend points to a weakening licensing system.
According to Taylor, under the Firearms Control Act, firearm owners must renew their licences before they expire. Once a licence lapses, it cannot simply be renewed; instead, the owner must apply for an entirely new licence.
She argued that maintaining an effective licensing system helps authorities keep firearms registered, conduct periodic compliance checks and maintain records that can assist investigations if weapons are lost, stolen or misused.
GFSA also pointed to SAPS statistics showing that civilians have reported an average of 8,000 firearms lost or stolen each year over the past three years.
The organisation said South Africa continues to experience one of the world’s highest rates of gun violence, with firearms remaining the leading weapon used in murders.
Gun Owners Blame Administrative Failures
The South African Gunowners’ Association (SAGA) disputed the conclusion that declining renewal applications indicate widespread non-compliance.
SAGA chair Damian Enslin argued that the decline reflects years of dysfunction at the Central Firearms Registry and continuing legal uncertainty following a 2022 Constitutional Court judgment.
He noted that the court confirmed firearm ownership does not automatically end when a licence expires and that owners with expired licences may still apply for new licences through the normal legal process.
According to Enslin, lengthy processing delays—sometimes lasting months or even years—have discouraged many owners from submitting applications.
He said licensed firearm owners have already undergone competency assessments, background checks and safe-storage inspections, and that administrative delays should not be equated with criminal behaviour.
GFSA, however, maintains that confusion surrounding the court ruling, misinformation from parts of the gun lobby and inconsistent enforcement of the Firearms Control Act have all contributed to the sharp decline in relicensing applications.
The organisation argues that previous police campaigns encouraging timely licence renewals demonstrated that clear public communication and consistent enforcement can significantly improve compliance.
The debate highlights broader questions about balancing public safety, effective firearm regulation and administrative efficiency as South Africa continues to confront high levels of gun-related crime and violence.
Source: Gun Free South Africa (GFSA); South African Gunowners’ Association (SAGA); South African Police Service (SAPS).