OMUTHIYA - The Namibian Police are urging the public to surrender all illegal firearms, ammunition, armaments and other unwanted firearms at any police station countrywide.
Deputy Commissioner Mathew Nakadhilu of the Oshikoto police said this in an interview with Nampa on Friday.
He stated that as part of the AU Master Roadmap of Practical Steps for the Silencing of Guns in Africa by the Year 2020 and its recent extension to the year 2030, member states are encouraged to undertake activities on the surrender and collection of illegal weapons during September 2023. “In this regard, Cabinet had already approved the extension and granting of the amnesty every September,” Nakadhilu added.
Africa Amnesty Month had been launched before its commencement at the end of August, paving the way for the African Amnesty Month to take place from 01-30 September.
“The recently-held Senior Command Conference Resolution 7 directed regional commanders to sensitise the community on the silencing of guns and African Amnesty Month in September during the community awareness campaign,” said Nakadhilu.
He reported that they recovered 22 rifles, 14 shotguns, 11 pistols, five air guns, three AK47s and 1 482 rounds of ammunition in September 2021, and 1 200 rifles and four pistols last September.
It is also important to note that no person will be persecuted during the amnesty period of 01-30 September 2023.
“Do not miss this period.
Once the amnesty period has expired, those who are found in possession of unlicensed firearms, armaments or ammunition will face the full wrath of the law. Please make the right choice to surrender firearms and make Namibia safe,” the officer urged.
Launching Amnesty Month on Wednesday, safety and security minister Albert Kawana said the availability of illicit firearms among civilians in Africa continues to contribute to an increase in armed violence, including gender-based violence.
He stated that weapons fuel criminal violence such as armed robberies, inter-communal violence, insurgencies and terrorism.
“I, therefore, appeal to all those who find themselves within the borders of Namibia, regardless of their residence status, to surrender the unlicensed firearms, armaments or ammunition which are held in contravention of the law,” added the minister.
“We will ensure that they are successfully prosecuted, convicted and imprisoned,” he said about actions planned after the amnesty period expires.
Also speaking at the launch was Major General Anne-Marie Nainda, the Namibian Police Force’s Deputy Inspector-General for Administration, who said although the enacted Arms and Ammunition Act of 1996 (Act No. 7 of 1996) provides for individuals and institutions to legally own firearms to protect life and property from criminals, it is unfortunate that some of these firearms fall into the wrong hands and are used to commit crimes.
Nainda listed that from January 2021 to July 2023, a total of 109 murder cases, 322 attempted murder cases, and 1 017 armed robberies were recorded. Furthermore, a total of 66 cases of pointing of firearms at a person and 101 suicides were reported.
Another 118 poaching cases were registered, and 156 firearms confiscated from suspects.
“These statistics paint a disturbing and unacceptable picture, hence the need to intensify the campaign on ‘Silencing the Guns in Africa’,” Nainda emphasised.
The Assembly of Heads of State and Government designated September to be ‘Africa Amnesty Month’ in order to encourage the surrender and collection of unlawfully-owned weapons and arms. - Nampa