No news on proposed gun law

STAFF REPORTER

WINDHOEK

The proposed law on firearms and ammunition was passed two years ago, but the amended law is still on ice.

According to Kallie Ventske of the Gun Owners Association of Namibia (GOAN), the amendment bill had already been approved by parliament and signed by President Hage Geingob, but after several objections by various sectors, the legislation has still not been published in the Government Gazette.

GOAN has entered into negotiations with the police and lawmakers to support them in drafting rules and regulations to make the law more practical.

However, the process came to a halt after the home affairs and security ministry was incorporated. The process was further hampered by the coronavirus pandemic.

According to the association, this means that negotiations have to start over with the home affairs minister, Frans Kapofi, who has not yet addressed the issue.

“The hope is that he will allow practical experts to make adjustments to the proposed law.”

The biggest problem with the amendment law is the use of unclear and inaccurate wording and that is by no means implementable, the association says.

“At this stage the old law on weapons and ammunition remains in force.”