By Irene Kuppan and Ayanda Mhlongo
There is a new item on shopping lists these days - knives are fast becoming the weapon of choice - especially for women who are concerned that after legislation that makes applying for a gun licence more difficult was passed, the only weapon to defend themselves against criminals is a knife.
Llewellyn Mohan, owner of Broadway Arms in Durban North, said: "There has been a definite increase in the number of people who are buying knives.
"People are even signing up for lessons on how to use a knife to defend themselves."
He said that many women felt uncomfortable handling guns and were more at ease with knives.
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"Women use knives on a daily basis so it doesn't take much effort for them to master it. Women are more confident with knives than with guns," said Mohan.
He added that people needed weapons and many felt that waiting for a gun licence would take too long and were buying knives instead.
"Knives are just as lethal as guns and often more effective. Flick knives that are often used to cut fruit and biltong can be used in an attack," he said.
The recently passed Firearms Control Act stipulates that gun owners have to renew their licences every five years and businesses have to renew their licences every two years.
New applicants have to undergo written tests in addition to the gun handling test before they are issued a licence. Applicants will also have to give the names of two people, who will be interviewed by a firearm officer, as references.
Out of the 10 people that the Daily News spoke to, seven said that after the passing of the new legislation they would rather buy knives than apply for a gun licence. Five of the seven said that they had knives and said that they would not hesitate to use them if attacked.
Xolani Magwaza, 29, of Chesterville, said that he had a pocket knife which he only carries when he is out at night.
"I can understand why people would rather buy knives these days. Applying for a gun now requires so much whereas buying a knife is so easy that anyone can get one," he said.
"Knives are as dangerous as guns and the more there are on the streets the more dangerous it will become," he said.
Rodney Moonsamy, from Sea Cow Lake, said that he has been carrying a knife for years.
"I have never had to use it but with the increase in crime, people are forced to have a weapon for protection. If I didn't already have one I would have definitely bought one by now," he said.
Andre van der Merwe, manager of the Hillcrest Gunshop, said: "You don't need a licence to buy a knife. Anyone can buy it over the counter, even if you are a criminal. At least with the new firearm laws, it makes it virtually impossible for a criminal to get a legal gun."
He said that knives were also harder to detect.
"Some of these knives have blades that are only four or five inches in length and can be concealed very easily. No one will even know you're carrying a knife."
The crime statistics released this year showed that there was a significant decrease in the number of cases reported involving the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition in most parts of the province.
Gun Free South Africa's national director Judy Bassingthwaighte said she believed that gun dealers were using knife sales as an alternative means of supporting their businesses which had been affected by the new legislation.
"It is a disturbing trend and it needs to be monitored."
- This article was originally published on page 1 of Daily News on November 07, 2005
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