Black Gun Owners’ Association

Edwin Herrendorfer = EH
Abios Khoele = AK

EH: Hello Abios. Please tell us how the Black Gun Owners Association (BGOA) came into being and why?

AK: The BGOA was formed in January 2003. Our people were having too many problems licensing their firearms. Up to 99% of all applications are still being declined. This organisation started to take a stand against that issue.

EH: How many members do you have?

AK: We have more supporters than we have members. Our members number about 7,000 individuals, while our support base numbers well over 25,000 people. These are the people who support us on our marches and demonstrations.

EH: Let’s talk about women and children, particularly during the festive season. How would the current crime wave and lack of protection affect them?

AK: The level of crime is escalating all the time. The situation is getting very serious, no matter what the government or police say. And we know how bad things are during Christmas. This Christmas will be even worse. Women and children, in particular, will fall prey to criminals. Many more women will be robbed and attacked than will men. The abuse of children will double. Children get raped, assaulted and even killed. The spread of HIV / AIDS increases because of the number of rapes that take place during this time.

EH: Why is this the case? Is it simply because women and children are easier to rob, kill or abuse?

AK: Yes, women and children are soft targets. They suffer simply because they are the most vulnerable members of society and criminals know this. They (criminals) love soft targets.

EH: Is there any way women and children can be protected from criminals?

AK: Women must arm themselves. They must carry a firearm so that they can defend themselves when the need arises. Generally, criminals are afraid of armed citizens, whether they be male or female. The women in Johannesburg know that they are soft targets, always vulnerable. So they want to arm themselves; to help protect themselves. Obviously, children cannot buy or own firearms, but all I can say is that they be careful. They must be taught what to do in crisis situations. The government is not willing to protect anybody. The police are there, but they offer no protection. The most vulnerable members of our society, the law-abiding and innocent, are totally unarmed. The criminals, however, are well-armed.

EH: Do you have any women in the BGOA?

AK: Plenty. 60% of our members are women. On our marches, up to 70% of those taking part are women. Even the Minister, Nqakula, was shocked when he saw one of our marches on television. I did not see it, but he apparently said he never realised how much we (Blacks) are against the Firearms Control Act, especially the number of women.

EH: What do you make of the current situation? Where is South Africa headed?

AK: If things keep going the way they are now, then the situation can only get worse. Like Rwanda and others, we are on the way to starting our own genocide. Because right now, only the government is arming itself. It is already well-armed. The same thing took place in Rwanda.

EH: Has the government been honest with the people? Especially as far as imparting information and statistics is concerned?

AK: Not at all. Our ministers and police lie to the people all the time. They make all these promises, saying things will get better, when the situation is just deteriorating. Our police force is up to rubbish, doing nothing to help and protect the people. Yet they want people to believe they are safe and that they (the police) are doing everything to protect them. They persistently push the gun laws, making sure we are more vulnerable. I had a meeting with the National Intelligence Agency. Many of them do not support the Firearms Control Act. They do agree, however, that things are set to get worse. They are also particularly concerned with the level of crime, which they say is escalating dangerously.

EH: What about Black gun owners? How do they feel and what are they planning to do?

AK: They’re very irritated and disappointed. They’ve also been very adamant that they will not renew their licences. Nor will they hand their firearms in. Many have stated that they will head for the rural areas (or former homeland areas), dig holes and bury their firearms. They will then report them stolen in Johannesburg.

EH: But why? Won’t that cause problems?

AK: Maybe. But they are sick and tired. The competency test is also so difficult for them, because so many of them are illiterate and don’t understand the test. They know they won’t pass. Handing in their firearms is also not an option, as they feel they don’t want to do it if they won’t receive compensation.

EH: About White gun owners. Do you get any support from them? Do you or can you work together?

AK: We have very good support among White people. After all, the law affects all of us. The only thing I think Whites find difficult is marching. They have to learn how to toyi-toyi.

EH: Do you only have branches in Johannesburg? What about other centres and provinces?

AK: We are currently only based in Johannesburg. But we are looking to branch out next year – to the Western and Eastern Cape. I already have people in these provinces who are willing to help set up offices there.

EH: What about next year, 2005? What are your plans?

AK:Mass action. That’s what we plan for next year. Mass actions every month. We want to take to the streets and show our frustrations to the world. I have not set dates, but they will be announced as they become available.

EH: Lastly, Abios. What other message or information do you have for Firearm News readers and the general public?

AK: Please support us. Especially next year, with our mass action campaigns. We need to let the government know that we mean business. The more people support us, the greater the impact. I can be reached on my cellphone at all times: 082 3264662. Thank you.