A South African lobby group is calling for a ban on the sale of toy and replica guns, which it says has reached alarming proportions.

The group, Gun Free South Africa, says the toy and replica weapons are inflating the number of gun-related deaths, that already stand at more than thirty a day.

Last week an eleven-year-old boy was shot dead after he pointed a toy gun at a security guard.

The group says replica weapons, which can be bought easily at most toy shops, are contributing to a dangerous gun culture.

However, a BBC correspondent in South Africa says guns are also seen to offer protection and security in a country with a high level of crime, and that shooting for sport is a popular pastime.