Govt concerned about armed civilians

GOVERNMENT is concerned about the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the hands of civilians in the country.

‘The large number of armed civilians is a serious concern, which usually results in the abuse of firearms,’ safety and security minister Charles Namoloh said at Walvis Bay yesterday.

He said this in a speech delivered on his behalf at a workshop on building knowledge and capacity towards the ratification of the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) and the implementation of related national, regional and international instruments on small arms and light weapons.

The ATT is a multilateral treaty that regulates the international trade of conventional weapons for the purpose of contributing to international and regional peace, reducing human suffering and promoting cooperation, transparency and responsible actions.

Namoloh said government is conscious that illegal firearms are commonly used in the perpetration of crimes, which contributes to the high level of instability, extended conflict, violence and social dislocation.

‘We are aware of the harmful effects of the uncontrolled spread of both licit [sic] and illicit firearms to the well being of the Namibian people, their socio economic development and right to live in peace.’

To combat the illegal possession and misuse of firearms in the country, Namoloh said a national action plan was launched in 2004.

This plan includes the implementation of the national management committee for permanent secretaries, ministries and agencies which have a pivotal role in the prevention, combating and eradication of the proliferation of illicit firearms, ammunition and other related materials.

There is also a national focal point inter agency committee which coordinates all national efforts aimed at combating the use of illegal firearms.

‘All the aforementioned actions are deliberate interventions by the government aimed at ensuring that Namibians enjoy peace and tranquillity,’ said Namoloh.

In early February this year, 15 firearms, 10 000 rounds of ammunition and military uniforms were confiscated from farmer Johannes Mostert in the Otjozondjupa region.

Willem Maritz (60), from Hochfeld was also arrested for the possession of shotguns, assault rifles and ammunition without a permit in mid February this year.

On Saturday, Norman Alexander Campbell (54), was apprehended after police found a total of 201 rounds of ammunition for a light machine gun on his farm in the Otjozondjupa region.

The two day workshop started yesterday, and is being attended by high ranking police officials and members of the parliamentary standing committee on foreign affairs, defence and security.

– Nampa