Reasons South Africa’s Gun Violence Crisis is Not Being Successfully Addressed

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The interview begins at the 8:10 mark.

JEREMY MAGGS: Recent crime statistics indicate that firearms continue to be the primary weapon used in violent crimes, significantly contributing to the high rates of homicides and assaults across the country. What are the underlying factors perpetuating this concerning trend? And are there any emerging strategies to address gun-related violence in our communities?

There is no one better to consult than Adèle Kirsten, the director of Gun Free South Africa. Adèle, welcome. Could you provide some insight into the latest crime statistics released earlier this week concerning firearm-related offences? Are the circumstances worsening?

ADÈLE KIRSTEN: They are definitely not improving. It’s crucial to bear in mind that any minor decrease or stabilization in crime figures is occurring against a backdrop of alarmingly high levels. Gun-related crime shows no signs of decline. While some other categories of crime may exhibit a slight decrease, the toll of daily gun violence continues unabated.

The Medical Research Council’s data presented in early October shows a slight drop in overall femicide rates, yet there is a notable rise in the instances of men using firearms to kill their female partners at home. This continues to be a troubling trend.

Another concerning development is the uptick over the past two to three years in the number of women being murdered in public settings. Clearly, there are evolving patterns of gun violence targeting women. It’s critical to note that the majority of individuals shot and killed in South Africa remain young men—a statistic that has not shifted.

JEREMY MAGGS: Adèle, one serious matter here is the influence of illegal firearms. I’m guessing that these contribute significantly to violent crime and pose immense challenges for law enforcement.<

ADÈLE KIRSTEN: That’s exactly why addressing illegal guns must be a priority for SAPS [South African Police Service]. The proliferation of firearms puts everyone in danger, complicating the duties of police officers. When they respond to situations like domestic violence, cash-in-transit heists, or home invasions, they can expect that the criminals are heavily armed.

Read: SA’s police are losing the war on crime

It feels repetitive to reiterate this point, but data indicates that to reduce gun crime, we must limit the circulation of all firearms in society. The guns used in those crimes—what we refer to as “crime guns”—are illegal, though they once were legally owned. They emerge from thefts and losses within the state, from individuals, and the private security sector.

To make a dent in gun-related murders, it’s vital to halt the flow and accessibility of guns across all sectors, as opposed to solely recovering guns. This task is essential, but it alone will not suffice.

JEREMY MAGGS: Let’s delve into that upstream strategy. Is the challenge the efficiency of gun control laws or their enforcement?

ADÈLE KIRSTEN: It’s a combination of both factors. Starting with enforcement, South Africa has a strong law rooted in what was considered a gold standard of gun legislation 20 years ago. This framework regulates the user, the type of firearm, and the conditions under which one can possess a gun.

Though the law has commendable attributes, it is over two decades old and has loopholes exploited by those acquiring multiple firearms. Additionally, enforcement is quite poor, necessitating improvements in both areas.

Read: Owning a gun offers some safety, but risks run high for users – expert

With 16 days of activism against violence towards women and children underway, it’s worth noting that the gun law empowers police officers to confiscate firearms in domestic violence cases, but we aren’t consistently seeing that implemented. This is achievable and crucial for saving lives.

JEREMY MAGGS: So why is that not happening?

ADÈLE KIRSTEN: Several factors are at play. One is a fundamental issue: officers’ lack of understanding regarding the authority granted to them at the station level. Another, and one that’s far more complex, is the prevalent belief that such matters are private affairs and that police should not interfere.

We hear accounts from women where police arrive and suggest sorting it out within the family or going for counseling, when the officers should actually be seizing the weapon.

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There are even cases where, despite a court mandate through the Domestic Violence Act to remove a firearm during the issuance of a protection order, police have failed to act, resulting in tragic outcomes.

JEREMY MAGGS: It’s astonishing. How can a victim be told to seek counseling when they’re staring down the barrel of a gun? Adèle Kirsten, Gun Free South Africa is a prominent and vocal advocacy group.

You have been delivering this important message for a long time. When you present this information to the authorities, what is their response, and do you find it satisfactory?

ADÈLE KIRSTEN: Jeremy, we are witnessing some significant changes in the willingness to engage. Just a few weeks ago, we met with the minister and included public health professionals, trauma surgeons, and state mortuary representatives to provide a comprehensive overview of gun violence in the country, beyond just law enforcement perspectives.

There seems to be an openness to discuss and consider the critical issues we have raised.

We need to focus on three crucial areas: reducing gun circulation, enforcing existing laws, and strengthening those laws. While progress will take time due to numerous crises, we are encouraged by these developments.

The challenge, as reflected in the most recent crime statistics, is that three months is a too brief period to gauge effectiveness. Initiatives like establishing specialized firearms units have faced significant obstacles due to the erosion of our institutions.

While we can offer information and suggest actions, matters surrounding budgeting, capacity, and training are ultimately the police’s responsibilities. Therefore, we have a lengthy journey ahead.

JEREMY MAGGS: Absolutely. As a closing thought, I’d like your candid view on the implications of inaction. If the current situation continues, what may be the long-term effects on society and the economy?

ADÈLE KIRSTEN: The consequences are enormous—a burden amounting to billions in public health costs.

There are billions lost in terms of lives, job opportunities, and income, with profound effects on families as well.

In our work with families in the Cape Flats, we witness the medical issues that arise from these conditions, alongside the constant fear leading parents to tell their children not to go outside to avoid gunfire. This is a harrowing daily reality.

Read: Guns or yoga? City crime fighters in South Africa and Colombia

High levels of trauma inevitably hinder functionality and social interactions. We are facing an epidemic, and we urgently need a unified governmental approach—not just from SAPS—to tackle this crisis.

JEREMY MAGGS: Thank you very much, Adèle Kirsten, for your clear insights. She leads Gun Free South Africa.

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