Moves to tighten gun laws

THE CHANGES to the Arms and Ammunition Act of 1996 will require a prospective gun owner to go through a competency test before receiving a licence.

A competency test measures one’s knowledge and skills on a particular thing.

Deputy minister of safety and security Daniel Kashikola presented the proposed changes to the law which will address gaps in the control of firearms, ammunition and other related materials in parliament this week.

The ministry held consultative meetings between 2008 and 2016 with government institutions, gun dealers, Namibian professional hunters’ associations, traditional leaders and regional governors to ensure that the proposed amendments take into consideration a wide range of public views.

During these meetings, shortcomings and loopholes in the law were identified, discussed and changes proposed.

Kashikola said it was realised that the current law does not make provision for competency tests to ensure that only people who are capable of handling and dealing with firearms receive a competency certificate and licence.

“Competency, which constitutes the starting point in applying for a firearm licence, is determined by a combination of factors, of which training is the most important,” he said.

The deputy minister added that training is followed by interviews with relatives and friends to determine whether the applicant can be trusted with a firearm.

Kashikola said the proposed changes make provision that the applicant must be mentally fit.

“Therefore, a medical clearance may be required, in addition to the certificate of good conduct issued by the Namibian Police,” he added.

The politician also pointed out that the changes will provide precise definitions for the renewal of a licence to possess firearms, as well as for competency testing and acquiring the competency certificate.

It will also provide definitions for the disposal of firearms in case of death, inherited firearms, the use of firearms in a theatre or cinema, and state-owned firearms.

The deputy minister said cases of stolen or lost firearms have increased at an alarming rate, with 80% of them being handguns.

He pointed out that these are the firearms mostly used in criminal activities, and advised residents who own guns to make sure they are locked up in a safe place.

Furthermore, there would be financial implications during the implementation as police officers will undergo training, and new equipment will also be needed for the expansion of the E-policing firearms database.

Kashikola said the ministry is considering outsourcing the expansion of the E-policing database to include ballistic and competency testing.

reported last month that the police issued more than 20 000 gun licences during the past three years, while 321 others were granted in January this year.

In 2016, around 7 050 licences were issued, 6 313 in 2017 and 6 319 in 2018.

While only 69 illegal guns were confiscated in 2016, there were 99 in 2017 and 45 in 2018, while over 700 stolen guns are in circulation.