By Tashlan Naidoo

The group's recent statements come in the wake of a series of violent confrontations between law enforcement and criminal elements, highlighting a disturbing trend of increased accessibility to firearms and ammunition.

The situation reached a critical point during a recent cash-in-transit heist attempt in Western Cape province, where police intervention led to the recovery of an array of weapons, including rifles and a significant cache of ammunition.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the country in curbing the flow of illegal arms.

Claire Taylor, a Researcher with Gun Free SA, expressed grave concerns over the current state of gun violence.

"Our findings indicate a predominance of interpersonal conflicts leading to gun violence, often among individuals who are acquainted with each other," Taylor stated.

"Arguments or provocations that escalate to violence become deadly when a firearm is involved, significantly increasing the likelihood of turning a dispute into a fatality."

The organisation calls for immediate and decisive action to address the crisis, emphasising the need for stricter control measures and community engagement to prevent further loss of life.

As the nation grapples with this growing threat, the spotlight is now on policymakers and law enforcement agencies to implement effective strategies to disarm the cycle of violence.

--SABC--