Time for Government to Wake Up!
Cape Town is facing a growing crisis, blank guns, also known as imitation firearms, are fast becoming a deadly weapon of choice among gangs.
These replicas are almost impossible to tell apart from real firearms. Sold freely in malls and online, they may look harmless, but many are being illegally modified to fire live ammunition.
Last Thursday, Metro Police arrested yet another suspect in possession of a modified blank gun. It’s proof that these so-called “toys” are now tools of crime, fuelling fear and violence in our communities.
The National Government has known about this problem for months. Back in May, they promised to ban the import of blank guns, citing how gangs in the Western Cape were weaponising them.
But while government “discusses” and “reviews” the issue, our people continue to die. Their own report even admits the delay, stating:
“The amendment process is ongoing and will require time to finalise, all the while that blank guns are being used to commit crimes.”
– How much longer must we wait?
How many more families must suffer before real action is taken?
While government plays politics, Cape Town’s Metro Police are taking action.
A new Streets and Public Places By-law will soon:
– Make it illegal to carry or possess an imitation or blank firearm in any public space;
– Require all lawful users (such as for training or film) to mark barrels in bright, visible colours for easy identification.
– This by-law will soon be open for public comments, and this is where every voice matters.
Speak up!
– Let’s show government that communities have had enough of talk with no results.
– Support the by-law.
Share the message.
– Demand national action, before another life is lost to a weapon that should never have been on our streets.
JP Smith – Cape Town is moving forward – no fear, no favour – but the rest of South Africa must follow
#BlankGunBan #CapeTownSafety #TakeActionNow #NoFearNoFavour #StopTheViolence #CCN
