Firearm Competency Legal Use of Force and Self-Defence

Question 1

When is the use of a firearm in self-defence legally justified in South Africa?

Accepted Answer

Only when there is an unlawful, imminent threat to life and force is necessary and proportionate

Answer

Whenever you feel threatened in any way

Answer

Any time you are on your own property

Answer

When someone insults you

Question 2

What legal principle limits how much force you may use in self-defence?

Accepted Answer

Proportionality

Answer

Seniority

Answer

Equality of arms

Answer

Right of way

Question 3

May you use a firearm to protect only property, such as a cellphone being stolen with no threat to life?

Accepted Answer

Generally no, lethal force to protect property alone is rarely justified

Answer

Yes, always

Answer

Yes, if it is expensive

Answer

Only at night

Question 4

What must you usually do immediately after a self-defence shooting?

Accepted Answer

Report the incident to the police and cooperate

Answer

Leave the scene quickly

Answer

Hide the firearm

Answer

Say nothing to anyone ever

Question 5

What does 'imminent threat' mean in the context of self-defence?

Accepted Answer

A danger that is about to happen or is happening now

Answer

A threat that happened last week

Answer

A possible future argument

Answer

A threat made on social media only

Question 6

If an attacker is fleeing and no longer poses a threat, may you shoot them?

Accepted Answer

No, the threat must be ongoing for defensive force to be lawful

Answer

Yes, to stop them escaping

Answer

Yes, if they took something

Answer

Only with a warning shot

Question 7

Who carries the burden of acting within the law when a firearm is used?

Accepted Answer

The licensed firearm owner

Answer

The attacker

Answer

SAPS

Answer

The firearm dealer

Question 8

What is a 'warning shot' considered under South African law and safe practice?

Accepted Answer

Generally discouraged and potentially dangerous and unlawful

Answer

A legal requirement before defending yourself

Answer

A way to scare off any intruder safely

Answer

Mandatory in all cases