This article was recently posted on The Times of South Africa's website. Once again we have a government official pushing for a ban on self defense items, including slingshots.

When will governments finally learn that bans do not make anyone safer? Disarming the vulnerable
Thabo Mkhize
Published:Feb 28, 2008


The government’s proposal to ban the carrying of dangerous weapons will reduce crime, but also leave law-abiding citizens more vulnerable to criminals.

These are the conflicting views that followed Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula’s proposal to amend the Dangerous Weapons Act, by making a criminal offence the carrying of knives, slingshots, catapults and toy guns.

A professor of criminal studies at Unisa, Anthony Minnaar, said yesterday the decision was a good one.

“If you have a dangerous weapon in your possession, you are most likely to use it in instances like road rage. Only registered people who have received training should be allowed to carry weapons.”

Outraged readers of The Times said in online messages the proposal would make law-abiding citizens easier targets for rapists, murderers and hijackers.

Note: Slingshots banned in South Africa