04 Aug 2026

As part of ongoing efforts to curb circulation of illegal firearms and combat firearm-related crime in the country, the Botswana Police Service (BPS) has destroyed 299 firearms voluntarily surrendered by members of the public. 

The destruction of the firearms was done at Otse Police College on Friday. 

According to Superintendent Piet Gabotose from police headquarters, the destroyed firearms comprised 214 shotguns, 75 rifles and 10 pistols or handguns.

Supt Gabotose said none of the firearms destroyed during the exercise had been used in the commission of a crime.

“The firearms were surrendered for various reasons, including some being considered too old for continued use,” he said.

He said the destruction followed an arms listing campaign conducted last year, which encouraged members of the public to surrender firearms, including illegally possessed firearms, without fear of prosecution.

Supt Gabotose said the latest exercise saw 36 more firearms destroyed than the 263 firearms destroyed by police in 2025, reflecting continued efforts to remove unwanted and illegally possessed firearms from circulation.

The initiative forms part of Botswana’s broader efforts to prevent illegal firearms from falling into the hands of criminals and contributing to violent crime.

Inspector Molamu FULL NAMES, of BPS Central Arms Registry said the police service was doing everything possible to work toward a country free from illegal firearms and firearm related crime, with dedicated initiatives aimed at addressing the issue.

Members of the public have been encouraged to cooperate with law enforcement authorities and surrender firearms they no longer require or were unable to safely keep, rather than allowing them to fall into the wrong hands.

The destruction of the firearms also highlights the importance of public participation in efforts to strengthen community safety and prevent firearms from being used in criminal activities.

The BPS continues to encourage responsible firearm ownership and cooperation from the public as the country works toward reducing the availability of illegal firearms. ENDS