Cop slams dangerous weapons bill outcry

A POLICE official says it is "unfortunate" that there has been an overreaction to the draft Dangerous Weapons Bill.

Major-General Phillip Jacobs of the SA Police Service's legal support crime operations division, reportedly said yesterday that the bill had nothing to do with preventing people from playing paintball or using any weapon to defend themselves.

Rather it would allow the police to confront anyone they saw carrying, for example, a crossbow or sword in public.

"If someone is carrying a dangerous weapon under suspicious circumstances, using their private defence as an excuse will not be acceptable," he said.

The draft bill was published in the Government Gazette for public comment on September 2, after which it will have to be approved by the cabinet.

Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa will then be allowed to introduce the bill in Parliament.

Freedom Front Plus MP Pieter Groenewald said the bill defines a dangerous weapon and deals with the trade in toy guns, air guns, BB guns and paintball guns.

"The bill stipulates that anyone found in possession of these guns or a dangerous weapon in circumstances that create suspicion, can be arrested and sentenced up to three years in jail," he said.

"This bill has far-reaching implications and nearly any object, from a pocket knife to a stone, is viewed as a dangerous weapon."

The bill gave powers to the police to arrest people. It would seriously hamper the paintball industry and various forms of eastern martial arts.