I refer to the report "Minister guns for firearms legislation". I believe no minister has the right to impose Draconian gun laws on law-abiding citizens who have obtained their firearms legally and done the necessary exams.The problem is not legal gun owners, it is the incompetence of the government.Our government has lost total control of the country: our borders are porous, our police are corrupt and our prison wardens are partial to bribes.To claim "there's a belief that if you own a gun you are safe, but you are not" is deceitful.With the high level of crime in the country, it is best to be armed.If criminals knew that the motorists and residents they target were probably armed, they would think twice before hijacking in broad daylight or attempting to burglarise a home.It is absurd to think that a woman living alone is in more danger because she is armed. It does not matter how many burglar bars you install, or if you are linked to Armed Response, criminals will always try their luck.At least if you are armed, you stand a chance of protecting yourself, your family or, in some instances, your guests.Police Minister Nathi Nhleko would be advised to target criminals rather than the law-abiding taxpayers who pay his salary - and criminals don't follow gun-ownership laws.Let's be honest, the majority of serious crimes involve AK-47s - the same weapon favoured by struggle activists during apartheid.Firearms used in crime also include weapons stolen from police offices, police officers and the SA National Defence Force.It is my opinion that in a democracy I should have the freedom of choice to own a firearm for my own protection. More precisely, if the present government is unable to fulfil its duty to the constitutional Bill of Rights - that is, honouring citizens' right to protection - then we should be allowed to protect ourselves...