I think you'll find that the source has everything to do with it. If your dream of a disarmed citizenry were to come true the criminals would be the only ones who were armed (to the teeth I might add - what with the way our army and police are currently hemorrhaging firearms onto the black market) You can't compare SA with Australia. How often does an Australian housebreaking involve torture, murder and rape? Different kettle of fish completely! 
Oh and just btw, I don't own a gun, I just believe that the right to defend oneself and property is sacrosanct.