Muslim woman denied gun license due to hijab in photo

The Police Portfolio Committee intends to meet with the current Provincial Commissioner of Police, Major General Sizakhile Dyanti, after Farzana Rahman's application was declined due to her wearing a hijab in the photo.

Farzana Rahman from Parow, who worked as a social worker in the provincial government for 15 years and now works at a local NGO in the same capacity, became a victim of crime, which prompted her desire to acquire a weapon.

Rahman recounted that she and other staff members were taken hostage in their office in the northern suburbs, and in another instance, a woman threatened her with a knife. In both cases, social workers removed children from their parents.

As a mother of two, Rahman applied for a gun license in February, providing the necessary documents and completing practical weapons handling training.

However, to her surprise, after going through the legal process, she learned that her application, submitted to the relevant FLASH (Firearms, Alcohol and Used Goods) unit, was rejected supposedly because she was wearing a hijab.

She reported that upon arriving at the local police station in Parow, she was explained the protocols, and the case officer advised her to obtain a letter from her Mullah explaining the importance of the hijab for a Muslim woman.

Rahman emphasized: 'We live in 2026, and you are telling me I cannot wear a scarf? I approached my local Mullah.' She added that she passed the required competency test and has a safe, and also compiled a report with the parliamentary committee's response and questions regarding attacks on social workers.

'My application was submitted on February 26, 2026. The Parow police station provided very professional assistance and guidance, and they promised to follow up,' she said. She continued to check the police system through the provided app but was later confused by a status indicating missing documentation.

After this, the case officer informed her of the rejection, noting a red cross next to her photo. She was also advised to reapply using Photoshop or even a wig to conceal her hair, which she viewed as not reflecting her true identity.

Rahman stated: 'Every person, regardless of their chosen faith or practice, is between them and their Creator.' She noted that she is doing this for her daughters and others who may wish to apply for a gun license.

By contacting Parliament, she reached out to Nicholas Gotzell, who is on the Police Portfolio Committee. She also met with the commander of the Parow police station last week. Rahman reported that she also intends to approach the Public Protector and the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).

Gotzell stated: 'There is no basis for Muslim women to remove their hijab just for a gun license photo. It does not cover the face, and it is accepted globally and accepted with any other identification in this country.' He mentioned that he is raising this issue through the Police Portfolio Committee to ensure that such arbitrary conditions do not impede lawful gun ownership.

SAHRC was notified for comment, and SAPS has not yet responded to the requests.

Rahman mentioned that she learned self-defense from childhood. She also shared that her daughters excel in archery, and she herself is registered for racing in Kilларни. Her motivation was strengthened after the attacks on her and her colleagues at the office. 'I was held hostage twice in the last seven years. We removed a child of note, and it was recovered. In another case, a mother ran around the office with a knife. We removed the child.'

She recounted that her family increased home security, and she adopted the golden rule of not posting photos of herself or her family on social media for security reasons. This led to the decision to become a legal gun owner. She also has a driver's license and passport where she wore her hijab without issues.