A Public Call to Strengthen Firearm Removal Enforcement in Domestic Violence Protection Orders

Sasha-Lee Justice and Firearm Accountability Act, 2025 Campaign

PETITION SUMMARY

We call on the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa to urgently strengthen the enforcement of protection orders in domestic violence and gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) cases, particularly where firearm risk is present.

This petition supports the introduction of:

Sasha Lee Justice and Firearm Accountability Act, 2025

(“Sasha Lee Law”)

This proposed law seeks to ensure that protection orders are not only issued, but properly enforced in practice, especially where firearms create a high risk of serious harm or loss of life.

WHO IS SUBMITTING THIS PETITION

I am Jessica Naidoo, mother of the late Sasha Lee Monique Shah.

This petition is submitted in the public interest to strengthen protection for victims of domestic violence and GBVF in South Africa.

THE PROBLEM

Protection orders are meant to protect victims immediately.

However, in practice:

firearm removal is not always properly enforced 
coordination between SAPS, courts, and firearm systems may fail 
enforcement can vary between different areas and cases 
firearm custody and seizure processes may not always be fully auditable 
gaps may exist between court orders and real-world implementation 
These enforcement challenges may reduce the effectiveness of protection orders in high-risk cases.

This petition does not blame individual officials but highlights possible systemic and operational gaps that affect safety outcomes.

WHAT THIS PETITION CALLS FOR

We respectfully ask Parliament to:

1. Introduce the Sasha-Lee Law

Consider and initiate the legislative process for the Sasha-Lee Justice and Firearm Accountability Act, 2025 to strengthen firearm-related protection order enforcement.

2. Strengthen Firearm Removal Enforcement

Ensure consistent, lawful, and effective firearm seizure when protection orders indicate firearm risk.

3. Improve Accountability

Strengthen oversight where protection orders or firearm directives are not properly enforced.

4. Improve System Coordination

Strengthen coordination between:

South African Police Service (SAPS) 
Magistrates’ Courts 
Firearm registry systems 
5. Hold National Public Hearings

Include survivors, experts, civil society, SAPS, and justice institutions in reviewing protection order enforcement failures.

6. Standardise Enforcement Procedures

Ensure consistent national procedures for protection order execution, especially where firearm risk exists.

NATIONAL SURVEY (PUBLIC PARTICIPATION)

A national anonymous survey is being conducted to gather lived experiences relating to:

Protection orders 
Domestic violence and GBVF 
SAPS enforcement experiences 
Firearm-related risk 
Court processes and victim support 
TAKE THE SURVEY HERE:

South African GBVF Protection Order & Firearm Enforcement Experience Survey (2026)
Sasha Lee GBVF Firearm Enforcement & Protection Order Accountability Campaign

🔗 Google Forms:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe5jPWBQMbZExZeGk0PttzHLcwl5Z0tUgmJvA8Kekgag7X24g/viewform?usp=publish-editor

🔗 Microsoft Forms:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=DQSIkWdsW0yxEjajBLZtrQAAAAAAAAAAAANAAQC3qqZUNzJKNk9aTEJTMDhDUVJZOEdFM1E3V0tIUy4u

Survey responses will be used in anonymised form for:

research 
public awareness 
policy development 
parliamentary and legislative submissions 
WHY YOUR SIGNATURE MATTERS

Your signature helps demonstrate public support for stronger enforcement of protection orders and better protection for victims of domestic violence and GBVF in South Africa.

Together, we can help ensure that protection orders are not only legal documents, but real protection in practice.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Participation is voluntary 
You may remain anonymous 
No personal details are required 
Information will be used in anonymised form for advocacy and reform 
This petition is for public interest purposes 
SIGN THIS PETITION

Help strengthen protection order enforcement and support the proposed Sasha-Lee Law.

Sign now to support stronger protection for victims of domestic violence and GBVF in South Africa