PREAMBLE

WHEREAS every person has the right to life and the right to security of the person, which includes, among other things, the right to be free from all forms of violence from either public or private sources;

AND WHEREAS the adequate protection of such rights is fundamental to the well-being and social and economic development of every person;

AND WHEREAS the increased availability and abuse of firearms and ammunition has contributed significantly to the high levels of violent crime in our society;

AND WHEREAS the Constitution places a duty on the State to respect, protect, promote and fulfil the rights in the Bill of Rights;

BE IT THEREFORE ENACTED by the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, as follows—