OSHAKATI – President Hifikepunye Pohamba has called for the review of arms and ammunition control laws as a matter or urgency. “The review of the Arms and Ammunition Act, 1996 (Act No.7 of 1996), must be finalised urgently in order to enhance control and prevent the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in our society,” the President said.
The Head of State made the remarks at the 24th anniversary of Police Day at Oshakati on Friday.
He said that the proliferation of small and light weapons in the country should be addressed, as many domestic violence and other serious crimes are perpetrated with unlicensed firearms.
The President also called upon Namibian men to desist from any form of gender-based violence. “One of the gruesome or cruel forms of crime in our society is the ugly phenomenon of gender-based violence, which has resulted in the brutal and senseless killing of innocent women and children,” said Pohamba.
He also commended the Namibian Police Force for clearing off unexploded ordinances over the years, saying the explosives have been a stumbling block and a delay in implementing national capital projects “such as the construction of roads, railways, schools, hospitals, clinics, houses and other important national infrastructure”.
Similarly, the Head of State urged the community to co-operate with the police, saying community participation and co-operation is important in detecting and solving crimes such as wildlife poaching, which has become a serious concern in the country.
In addition, he called upon all law-abiding citizens to play their part in reporting crimes and to render his assistance to the police by ensuring the safety and security of the communities.