Oscar Pistorius stays in a gated community called Silver Lakes or something. This would imply that there was little opportunity for an intruder to enter the house which makes his case all the more difficult. I happen to live in South Africa, and have been a victim of violent crime. I wouldn't recommend carrying a gun either as you are likely to have it used against you. The laws make it impossible for gun owners to act in self defense as you practically have to be in a life threatening situation (and be able to prove it) in order to use a weapon. Most don't adhere to the laws though.
