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Gun ownership: Pros versus cons

The topic of gun control has received a lot of attention in recent years, and in the case of South Africa the debate has been intensified by the case of Oscar Pistorius. Owning a gun has its pros and cons.

We asked our readers what their views are on the topic. This is what they had to say:

Pro-gun ownership:

Annemarie

A gun is an OBJECT. It is the PERSON handling the gun that is the danger.

Monique

I'd feel a whole lot safer with a gun in my house.

Shaheeda

I don't like guns, but I can understand why people feel the need to have one for protection. As long as the person has a licence, is properly trained and stores the weapon in a safe place away from kids accidents shouldn't happen.

Juanita

If you had proper training and you are responsible there will never be issues.

Karin

When I am alone at home, I sleep with one next to me. But I've been well trained how to use it.

Lindy

Yes I do feel safer, especially with my husband working away a lot, I have it with me all the time.

Tiishetjo

I was once threatened with a gun by my ex boyfriend and I was so scared, I developed this hatred for guns. I wanted to be a traffic/police officer and realised that he still had power over me and that I needed to move on.  Now I'm studying Diploma in Traffic and Metropolitan Policing and I don't fear guns anymore and have no problem if there is a gun in the house.

Anti-gun ownership:

Xoli

I would not feel safe as I'm scared of guns.

Monique

I hate guns in a house where there are children. A friend of mine committed suicide at age 12 with his father's gun and I've hated it ever since

Joanne

I'd feel unsafe if we had a gun... rather improve your security before buying a gun.

Oabona

I'm afraid I'd be the first to cause an "accident"! No gun for me.

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