Amnesty bears fruit

The deputy commissioner for operations in Erongo, Tobias Gerber, announced that the extended amnesty for the surrendering of illegal, unlicensed and unwanted small arms and ammunition yielded more than 40 weapons (rifles, handguns and one automatic weapon), 2 500 rounds of live ammunition and more than 10 empty mortar shells. The weapons and ammunition were surrendered to the police by approximately 30 individuals. “The weapons we received will be destroyed. We are very grateful for the overwhelming response and encourage others with illegal or unwanted weapons and ammunition to hand them over to the police before the amnesty expires on 18 February. Such weapons cause problems when stolen and will result in people getting arrested when found in their possession.” Gerber said most of the weapons (30 rifles) were commercial and used for hunting. Some persons who handed over weapons said they received them as gifts or inherited them while others said they picked the weapons up. “Arms and ammunition means any part related to firearms. Around 90% of the weapons were returned by elderly persons who did not want to go through the hassle of applying for firearm licenses. The weapons we received will be blown up since government has no use for them,” he concluded. Only one weapon and 240 rounds of ammunition was surrendered in the Erongo Region during the first three months of the amnesty declared by government for the handing over of illegal weapons and ammunition in August 2016 and which lasted from 18 August to 18 November. The amnesty was subsequently extended to 18 February this year. Detective Warrant Officer Julia Nujoma, unit commander of the small arms and light weapons division, confirmed that 30 rifles, 10 pistols, 10 homemade guns, two air guns, 4 000 rounds of ammunition and 10 empty mortar shells were handed in since the amnesty period was extended. “Pistols and small weapons are most commonly used to commit crimes or are used in incidents of domestic violence. We want to ensure that Namibia remains a non-violent country.” Nujoma advised those with illegal and unwanted firearms and ammunition to make use of the amnesty and hand such items over at their nearest police station. “Do not dump weapons or fear that you will be charged. We only need the particulars of persons who hands the weapons and ammunition over to us under the amnesty to identify the items and to determine their origin.” The police first offered amnesty to people who had illegal firearms and ammunition in 1992, two years after the country gained independence. OTIS FINCK

Amnesty bears fruit

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Namibian Sun 2026-09-16

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Amnesty bears fruit

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Namibian Sun 2026-09-16

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