Fifty (50) people have been given permission to acquire firearms from the 2013 Arms Quota Board Raffle draw that was held in Gaborone on the 19th June 2013. A total number of 8 686 people applied for permits to acquire shotguns licences whilst 16 755 applications were received for riffles.
Speaking at the raffle draw, the Deputy Commissioner of Police – Operations, Mr Victor Brunoh Paledi advised successful applicants to exercise care in handling their acquired firearms to prevent them from falling in the wrong hands. He said the government has adopted the raffle draw system so as to have a clear criteria of determining on who should or should not own a firearm.
He said that the increase in the number of reported stolen firearms is of great concern in the country as some of the stolen weapons end up being used in the commission of various criminal acts, a situation he said called on them to ensure safe custody of their weapons.
Police statistics indicate that at least 33 licenced firearms were reported stolen in 2012.
For his part Officer Incharge of the Botswana Police Service Central Arms Registry, Senior Superintendent Godffrey Onkemetse Tlogelang advised winners to consider the permit’s validity period as the permits are not renewable . He stated that is not fully processed within 12 months will be rendered invalid.
Giving a vote of thanks the Director of Wildlife and National Parks Dr Oldman Koboto said the government of Botswana is fully committed in ensuring that Botswana remains a gun free society and he also congratulated the successful applicants.