Durban - Durban residents fed up with crime are spiking up the demand for self-defence weapons like knives, guns and pepper spray as they prepare to resist criminals who may intrude on their properties.
But gun and legal experts have warned that while the present crime wave may cause citizens to deem it necessary to arm themselves, those wielding a weapon must be prepared to use it and be aware of their legal rights and the grave consequences of violent resistance.
Durban gun shops have reported rising sales over the past 18 months with an influx of customers across genders and race and citizens in their mid-twenties to eighties showing an interest in gun ownership.
Hillcrest Gun Shop trainer and consultant, John Harris, said demand was “fairly consistent” with customers “fuelled by frustration” with crime and coming from as far afield as Stanger, Ixopo and Pietermaritzburg.
“In the last 18 months to two years, business started picking up because the licensing became more organised. Before, it was taking up to three years for a licence to be issued,” he said.
“We are having quite a lot of enquiries and purchases from the black segment of the market, who are gatvol with the crime.
“Without fail, every time they come in they are absolutely appalled and disgruntled with crime and want to be able to protect themselves, their families and their businesses,” Harris said.
Most demand was for the .38 Special which started at R2 500 for a second handgun, but some customers would spend up to R17 000 on a 9mm pistol, he said.
Harris added that many people erroneously believed a BB gun or a paintball gun could be a suitable weapon for self-defence.
Rowan Kirton, co-owner of Kings Firearms, said people from all walks of life and ages from 25 to 80 were seeking weapons.
“There has definitely been an increase in demand for self-defence weapons in general. Everybody can see what is going on and they are feeling the pressure. Some people are buying guns, some are buying knives and some are buying self-defence sprays and shocking devices,” Kirton said.
Daily News