Africa-Press – Botswana. Poor handling of licensed firearms that end up being misused by unauthorised individuals has the potential to damage the country’s reputation. Speaking at the 2025 arms quota raffle draw in Gaborone on Thursday, Botswana Police Service deputy commissioner, Mr Solomon Mantswe urged gun owners to acquire gun safes and practise all necessary precautions to help reduce crime, especially those involving illegal firearm uses.
Statistics he said indicated that from 2022 to date, a total of 16 shotguns and 13 rifles were been stolen. Mr Mantswe stressed that BPS would continue to work with both local and international stakeholders to implement best practices in managing arms and ammunition. He said that such collaboration ensured Botswana’s efficient management of firearm acquisition and use.
“We also adhere to international agreements to which we are signatories, such as the Arms Trade Treaty, which sets common standards to prevent illegal possession, misuse, and irresponsible arms transfers,” he said. He said that it was BPS’s responsibility to ensure firearms are entrusted only to responsible individuals.
This year, Mr Mantswe noted an increase in the number of firearm applications compared to last year. In 2025, a total of 20 250 people applied for shotgun permits, and 18 747 applied for rifles, up from 15 891 and 14 376 applications respectively in 2024.
He said that in 2024, a quota of 300 acquisition permits was issued for dispensation, and the same number would be allocated in this year’s raffle, with 150 permits each for rifles and shotguns.
During the raffle draw, 135 applicants for shotguns and rifles will be selected, while 15 in each category will be reserved for special dispensations. Furthermore, Mr Mantswe said that through initiatives like arms raffle draw, BPS continued to aim to be an organisation that offered transparent services and upholds the highest ethical standards.
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