07 May 2017

There has been an increase in the applications for licenses of firearms this year.

The number has doubled with a difference of 3 913, as statistics show that by 2016 there were 3 540 applicants as compared to 7 453 for 2017.

Speaking at the 2017 arms raffle draw at Botswana Police Headquarters recently, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr Bruce Paledi said the draw was done annually, and that they made it as transparent as possible to eliminate speculations of unfairness.

The deputy commissioner said firearms have become of interest to the public for various reasons such as game farming, sports and for protection.

“But guns do not protect as one can break into your house and shoot you with the same gun,” he emphasised

The deputy commissioner stated that the raffle was only for short guns.

He explained that from the 7 453 applications, only 50 would be drawn from the raffle.

He further pointed out that applications for rifle licenses had been suspended, thus leading to the increase on applications for short guns.

Deputy Commissioner Paledi said rifles were suspended because they did a lot of damage in terms of poaching and were also used in robberies.

He added that their concern was the safety of guns.

In that regard, he encouraged gun owners to have lockable gun safes.

On the same note, Assistant Commissioner Mbakiso Tlhalefang explained that winners would go through a vetting process which included capturing their finger prints.

He stressed that winners would be granted permits which were valid for 12 months.

Assistant Commissioner Tlhalefang added that winners who had previous convictions would be automatically disqualified.

He further noted that the permit was neither transferable nor renewable.

A board member from the Department of Wildlife, Mr Jack Sewagodimo congratulated the winners and urged them to use the guns responsibly.

Furthermore, he noted that guns could be used for protection, but that they were also a dangerous weapon which required to be handled with care for safety. ENDS