South Africans Fighting Government to Keep Guns, as Violence Continues to Soar

A young woman shoots with a CZ 805 BREN rifle during a gun show event for women with more than 140 participants in Bronkhorstspruit, South Africa on April 2, 2022. Guillem Sartorio/AFP via Getty Images

JOHANNESBURG—South Africans are clamouring for guns in the midst of soaring violent crime, while their government tries to pass legislation to outlaw ownership of firearms for self-defense.

“A government is supposed to protect its people. A government is supposed to care about the welfare of citizens,” said Dave Alfonso, outside a firearms dealership in Johannesburg, minutes after his purchase of a 9mm pistol.