The SA Police Services have a very clear guideline in respect to the licensing or renewal of licences for a handgun or shotgun for self defence.
It will be considered only if the applicant can undeniably motivate that a handgun for self defence is the method of last resort. The applicant must show that all other reasonable steps have been taken to ensure safety and security.
Such information as location of the residence, the distance to the nearest police station, the incidence of burglaries or home attacks, etc. must be provided. Information such as place of work, need to travel in high risk areas and the carrying of amounts of cash will also be considered.
Self-defence as motivation for renewing the licence of a pistol or revolver is dubious and perhaps not the only motivational factor to use. However as part of your motivation if you can show that you use it occasionally for shooting such as target shooting or practical shooting - either as an occasional or as a dedicated leisure activity - it will be a better motivation for renewal.
