Attitude to firearms: The case of Kwa Mashu, Tsolo-aumbo and Lekoa-vaal

The research presented in this monograph aimed to outline indicators of firearms penetration and attitudes to firearms by looking at three case-study areas: LekoaVaal, Kwa Mashu and Tsolo-Qumbo. The three communities in these case studies were chosen because they are historically, socially and economically disadvantaged, with serious crime and firearm-related problems. It was felt ‘softer’ case-study areas would negate the applicability of the findings to the purpose of the research: the resolution of firearm accumulation. Though gaining a better understanding of some of the dynamics at play in the case-study communities, the researchers hoped to determine whether there would be willingness to reduce firearms in the community; and what the community would be willing to do to address firearm proliferation. The main findings were as follows: The prevalence of firearms in all the case-study communities is increasing. This is directly indicated by the frequency with which gunshots are heard, as well as by the perception of the respondents. The youth are viewed – both by their peers and by the adult women in the community – as the group responsible for the increase in firearms, as they are the group seen carrying firearms, particularly the youth involved in gang activities.The main reason cited across the sample for the increase in the number of firearms was the high level of accessibility. This is particularly conducive to meeting the demands of the youth. The youth want firearms, and they can get the firearms. Although the study did not focus on whether the firearms were licensed or not, it is probable that large proportions of these firearms are not licensed. This means that the users of the weapon were not screened in any way for their suitability to carry a firearm, or their suitability to use a firearm with competence. The highest level of firearm ownership was evident in Lekoavaal formal areas and the settlement of Tsolo-Qumbo. Here too, ease of access is seen as a contributing factor to the increased firearm penetration. In the two focus groups, it was evident that accessibility was closely linked to an internal source of firearms within the case-study settlements.