Dangerous Weapons Bill set before Parliament

Athenkosi Mvane13 February 2013

Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa on Tuesday tabled the Dangerous Weapons Bill in Parliament. 

Mthethwa said the bill was necessary because the bill will make it unlawful to carry dangerous weapons, firearms or replicas in circumstances where it is clear there is intent to commit an offence. 

Ministerial Spokesperson Zweli Mnisi said that the Bill seeks to harmonise the different legislations that existed in the Bophuthatswana, Ciskei, Transkei and Venda states into one unitary state.

“It also outlines the prohibition of possession of dangerous weapons, firearms which under some circumstances have been used to hurt other people especially in public protests” Mnisi said.

Mnisi said that the Ministry hopes that in the future peaceful protests where issues will be raised without violence.