No, switchblades are prohibited under South Africa’s Dangerous Weapons Act 15 of 2013 and Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000. The law classifies them as “dangerous weapons” without a legitimate sporting or professional exemption, rendering possession, manufacture, or trade illegal. The 2026 Firearms Amendment Bill further tightens restrictions, aligning switchblade regulation with international small arms protocols. Violations may result in fines up to R100,000 or imprisonment for up to 15 years.
Key Regulations for Switchblades in South Africa
- Prohibition under Schedule 1: Switchblades are explicitly listed as prohibited weapons in Schedule 1 of the Dangerous Weapons Act, barring civilian ownership without a special permit—unattainable for these blades.
- Firearms Control Act overlap: The FCA treats switchblades as “other dangerous weapons,” requiring compliance with stringent licensing, which is denied for non-firearm blades under Section 101(1)(a).
- 2026 compliance shifts: The pending Firearms Amendment Bill expands the definition of “dangerous weapon” to include spring-assisted and automatic-opening blades, closing prior loopholes in provincial bylaws.