No, throwing stars (shuriken) are classified as prohibited weapons under South Africa’s Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000 and Dangerous Weapons Act 15 of 2013. The South African Police Service (SAPS) enforces these laws, requiring permits for restricted items, which shuriken typically fail to meet. Recent 2026 draft amendments to the Dangerous Weapons Regulations explicitly list shuriken as prohibited, aligning with international standards. Possession without authorization risks fines up to R10,000 or imprisonment for up to 5 years.
Key Regulations for Throwing Stars (Shuriken) in South Africa
- Prohibited Classification: Shuriken fall under “dangerous weapons” per the Dangerous Weapons Act, requiring SAPS approval for possession, which is rarely granted. The 2026 amendments codify this prohibition, removing ambiguity.
- Firearms Control Act Overlap: While shuriken are not firearms, their use in a manner resembling a projectile weapon triggers scrutiny under Section 4 of the Firearms Control Act, particularly if deemed capable of causing injury.
- Permit Denial Trends: SAPS’ 2025 compliance directives prioritize denying permits for bladed or pointed throwing weapons, citing public safety risks. Historical data shows a 98% rejection rate for shuriken applications.