IANSA is calling for a Gun-Free 2010 soccer World Cup in South Africa, following the shooting of a member of the organising committee on Sunday 4 January.

Jimmy Mohlala was killed by three masked gunmen late last Sunday in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. His 19 year old son was also shot and injured by the assailants, who fled the scene.

The incident has reignited warnings from critics around the world who fear that the tournament will be blighted by security issues. Despite strengthened gun laws and a reduction in gun homicide up to 50% in some cities, South Africa has the fourth highest gun homicide rate in the world.

IANSA campaigners in the country are calling on civil society, FIFA, the South Africa government and international football players to unite in a call for a gun-free World Cup.

Joseph Dube, IANSA Africa Coordinator in Johannesburg said:

"The tragic death of Jimmy Mohlala reminds us that the 2010 World Cup is an opportunity to rid South Africa of the tyranny of gun violence forever. 2010 is not only a chance for South Africa to showcase its beauty and thriving businesses to the world, but a chance for the government to show that it is tough on gun crime."

IANSA is calling for all stadiums to be declared firearm-free zones in accordance with the 2000 Firearms Act, which gives ministers the powers to declare public areas Firearm-free. It is calling for an immediate moratorium on carrying guns in public and issuing of gun licences until the end of the tournament. IANSA believes that this will significantly help to remove the flow of firearms to criminals such as those who took Jimmy Mohlala’s life.

Joseph Dube added:

"Let us remember Jimmy Mohlala’s untimely death as the moment South Africans united the beautiful game with lasting peace and security. The countdown to a safer South Africa starts now."

Click here to read an opinion piece by Joseph in the Times of South Africa