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The interview commences at the 8:10 mark.
JEREMY MAGGS: Recent crime statistics reveal that firearms remain the predominant weapon involved in violent offenses, substantially contributing to the alarming rates of homicides and assaults nationwide. What are the root causes fueling this distressing trend? Moreover, are there new approaches to combat gun-related violence in our neighborhoods?
There is no one more qualified to speak on this than Adèle Kirsten, the director of Gun Free South Africa. Adèle, welcome. Can you shed some light on the latest crime statistics released earlier this week regarding firearm-related offenses? Are things getting worse?
ADÈLE KIRSTEN: They are certainly not getting better. It’s essential to recognize that any minor dip or stabilization in crime numbers occurs against a backdrop of alarmingly high levels. Gun-related crime shows no signs of reduction. While some other crime categories might display a slight decline, the daily toll of gun violence remains relentless.
Data from the Medical Research Council shared in early October indicates a slight decrease in overall femicide rates, yet there is a disturbing rise in instances where men use firearms to kill their female partners at home. This is an ongoing concern.
Furthermore, we are observing an increase over the past two to three years in the number of women murdered in public places. There are evidently shifting patterns of gun violence directed at women. It’s also important to highlight that young men continue to represent the majority of gun-related fatalities in South Africa—a statistic that has not changed.
JEREMY MAGGS: Adèle, one significant issue is the impact of illegal firearms. I imagine these greatly contribute to violent crime and pose severe challenges for law enforcement.
ADÈLE KIRSTEN: This is precisely why tackling illegal firearms should be a top priority for SAPS [South African Police Service]. The spread of firearms places everyone at risk, complicating law enforcement’s responsibilities. When police respond to incidents such as domestic violence, cash-in-transit robberies, or home invasions, they must anticipate that the perpetrators are heavily armed.
Read: SA’s police are losing the war on crime
Although it may sound repetitive, evidence suggests that to diminish gun crime, we must restrict the circulation of all firearms within society. The guns involved in these crimes—what we term “crime guns”—are illegal, even though they were once legally owned. They emerge from thefts and losses within the state, from individuals, and the private security sector.
To significantly reduce gun-related murders, we must halt the flow and accessibility of firearms across all sectors, rather than solely recovering them. While this task is vital, it alone will not suffice.
JEREMY MAGGS: Let’s explore that upstream strategy. Is the issue the effectiveness of gun control laws or their enforcement?
ADÈLE KIRSTEN: It’s a mix of both. Beginning with enforcement, South Africa possesses a robust law that was once regarded as a gold standard of gun legislation two decades ago. This framework regulates the user, the type of firearm, and the conditions under which one can possess a gun.
While the law has positive aspects, it is over twenty years old and has loopholes that allow individuals to acquire multiple firearms. Moreover, the enforcement of this law is quite inadequate, demanding 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 ongoing, it’s notable that the gun law permits police officers to confiscate firearms in domestic violence situations, yet we do not see this applied consistently. This is feasible and vital for saving lives.
JEREMY MAGGS: So why isn’t that happening?
ADÈLE KIRSTEN: Several factors contribute. One fundamental problem is officers’ lack of awareness about the authority granted to them at the station level. Another, more complex issue is the common belief that these situations are personal matters and that police should not intervene.
We hear reports from women indicating that police arrive and suggest they resolve the issue within the family or seek counseling, whereas officers should be confiscating the weapon.
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There are also instances where police have failed to act, even when mandated by the court via the Domestic Violence Act to remove a firearm during the issuance of a protection order, resulting in tragic outcomes.
JEREMY MAGGS: It’s astonishing. How can a victim be told to seek counseling while being threatened with a gun? Adèle Kirsten, Gun Free South Africa is an influential and vocal advocacy group.
You have been sharing this critical message for quite some 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 significant shifts in the willingness to engage. Just a few weeks ago, we met with the minister alongside public health professionals, trauma surgeons, and state mortuary representatives to provide a well-rounded overview of gun violence in the country, encompassing perspectives beyond law enforcement.
There seems to be a readiness to discuss and contemplate the vital issues we have outlined.
We need to concentrate on three critical areas: reducing the circulation of guns, enforcing existing laws, and strengthening those laws. While progress will require time due to multiple crises, we remain hopeful about these developments.
The challenge, as highlighted in the most recent crime statistics, is that three months is too short to evaluate effectiveness. Initiatives such as forming specialized firearms units have encountered significant hurdles due to the degradation of our institutions.
While we can provide information and propose actions, the responsibility surrounding budgeting, capacity, and training ultimately lies with the police. Therefore, the journey ahead is lengthy.
JEREMY MAGGS: Absolutely. As a final thought, I’d appreciate your frank opinion on the ramifications of inaction. If the current conditions persist, what might be the long-term impacts on society and the economy?
ADÈLE KIRSTEN: The implications are vast—burdening public health systems with billions in costs.
There are billions lost in terms of lives, job opportunities, and income, with serious impacts on families as well.
In our work with families in the Cape Flats, we observe the medical issues stemming from these conditions, coupled with the chronic fear that drives parents to advise their children to stay indoors to avoid gunfire. This is a terrifying daily existence.
Read: Guns or yoga? City crime fighters in South Africa and Colombia
High levels of trauma inevitably impair functionality and social interactions. We are facing an epidemic, and a cohesive governmental response is urgently needed—not just from SAPS—to address this crisis.
JEREMY MAGGS: Thank you very much, Adèle Kirsten, for your insightful contributions. She leads Gun Free South Africa.
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