South Africa has recorded its highest-ever number of firearm licence applications, with new police statistics revealing a dramatic rise in residents seeking to legally own guns. During the 2024/2025 financial year, authorities received approximately 166,000 firearm licence applications — marking an increase of more than 60 percent and the largest volume ever recorded in the country.
The surge has raised concerns among Gun Free South Africa, which warns that growing fear and uncertainty are driving more people to arm themselves. Executive Director Stanley Maphosa said many South Africans have become increasingly fearful over the past five years. He pointed to the July 2021 unrest as a major turning point, saying the widespread violence left many residents feeling vulnerable and compelled to take responsibility for their own protection.
“There is also uncertainty in the firearm reforms and owners regularising their ownership, so it is a variety of factors leading to the increase,” he said.
Maphosa said the spike in applications reflects a combination of concerns, including safety fears, regulatory uncertainty and efforts by existing firearm owners to ensure their licences comply with current legal requirements.
