19 May 2016

Botswana Police Service issued 50 short-guns licenses at a raffle conducted in Gaborone on Thursday.Speaking at the draw, chairman of the Arms Quota Board, acting commissioner of police, Mr Bruno Paledi, said issues of fire arms made headlines on news around the world.

He said small weapons were involved in killing of people and as such, he encouraged those who won the draw to exercise maximum care in handling fire arms at all times.Mr Paledi said Botswana had a good system of gun control as referenced by quota system, raffle and licensing those who are found to be free from previous criminal activities.

He said this year they received 3 540 applications for short gun licenses and only 50 were successful as per the quota adding that it has become an observation that some members of the community apply for licenses only to sell or transfer them.

The Acting Commissioner noted that in 2015 they have received 668 transfers. He advised those who  have guns not to borrow people that they do not trust as they may use them for committing crimes or wrong purposes such as illegal hunting or killing others.

He advised the community to stop giving other people some ammunition as those people might be carrying fire arms that are not licensed.Mr Paledi noted that it is natural that people knows that fire arms are kept under the bed and behind car seat making it easily accessible to would be criminals and advised gun holders to device maximum security like locking them in saves at all times.

“There is close affinity to the weapon because of its benefit as people say they want them for spot protection,” he said that he holds a different perspective as it is not the gun that protects as they may use bullet proof vests for protection.He advised the community not to use guns as facilities that are going to ensure that wild animals are cleared fast.

Arms Quota Board Member, Acting Deputy Director (Operations) at the Department of Wildlife and National Parks Mr Moemi Batshabang said that basing on the number of applicant, the probability winning is very small hence they resorted to conducting a raffle. 

Mr Batshabang advices the winners to take care of the weapons and protect wild animals and the environment for future generation to enjoy and have access to all benefits that wildlife brings to the country.He said since the raffle system started, they have enjoyed clean audit as the system that they are using is very transparent. ENDS