Gun law to be amended

More than 100 armed robberies were reported to the Namibian police between May and July this year, in line with nearly the same number of gun-related robberies committed in the same three-month periods in 2016 and 2017.Statistics released by the ministry of safety and security show that between May and July this year, 107 armed robberies took place across Namibia, 104 over the same period last year and 97 in 2016. Moreover, 90 crimes involving the pointing of a firearm at a person were reported in that same period this year, 74 in 2017 and 88 in 2016.Firearm thefts reported between May and July this year amounted to 37, compared to 50 during the same period in 2017 and 46 in 2016. Ninety-one cases of unauthorised possession of a firearm were logged over the three-month period this year, compared to 45 in 2017 and 33 in 2016.The ministry yesterday confirmed that in line with concerns that the existing gun law is contributing to armed robberies and other firearm-related crimes, a finalised draft amendment to the Arms And Ammunition Act was submitted to parliament in August for consideration and tabling.It is unclear when the amendment will be tabled. Compulsory The ministry said the amendments include a mandatory competency test, which includes theoretical and practical tests, to ensure that firearm owners can safely handle the firearms they own. The ministry said compulsory testing before a permit is issued would help the ministry maintain an accurate database on firearm ownership. Applicants for a gun licence will be required to undergo training, and officials will interview relatives, friends and others before determining whether the applicant can be issued a licence. The bill would also introduce compulsory renewal of gun licences after a set period, which could not be confirmed by the ministry.The renewal will require another round of checks to ensure that licence holders remain fit to possess a firearm. A report released by Small Arms Survey in June stated that at 15.4 guns per 100 people, Namibia had the second highest per capita civil possession of firearms in Africa, totalling 396 000 privately owned guns.The survey estimated that 195 990 of these were illegal and 200 010 legal firearms. Last year, the Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR) published a paper on gun control and crime in Namibia, highlighting increased concern about theft of legally licensed firearms, which are then used to carry out crimes.A police report for the auditor-general highlighted that some cases of gun theft were the result of negligence by the owners. Data provided to the IPPR by the police showed that 1 811 guns had been reported stolen between 2008/2009 and 2016/2017. Of these, 620 were recovered by the police. Of all gun-related crimes, the IPPR said armed robbery remained the biggest concern. Nevertheless, despite a steady increase in armed robberies, statistics showed that firearms played a decreasing role in armed robbery cases. The IPPR made a number of recommendations, which included that reliable crime statistics should be made available to the public. It also recommended restrictions on the amount of ammunition held by gun owners, as well as time-limited firearm licences.The IPPR also suggested gun competency tests, as well as mandatory background checks on whether the applicant has a history of mental illness, violence or prior convictions relating to drug and alcohol abuse. JANA-MARI SMITH

Gun law to be amended

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-03

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Gun law to be amended

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-03

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