Africa-Press – Botswana. Minister of Defence and Security, Mr Kagiso Mmusi has tabled a motion to amend the Arms and Ammunition Act.
Presenting the bill last Thursday, Mr Mmusi said the Arms and Ammunition (Amendment) Bill of 2022 sought to among others clarify the role of the Police Commissioner and that of the Arms and Ammunition Licensing Board.
He said some of the powers given to the licensing board would be conferred to the commissioner relating to licensing commercial importation and exportation as well as civilian use of arms and ammunition.
The minister said the amendment was a response to the influx of firearms which required immediate attention.
He said the bill would enhance penalties provided for under the act to make them stiffer.
Furthermore, Mr Mmusi said the bill sought to remove air guns, air pistols and air rifles from the definition of firearms because they were not in the same category with firearms.
Commenting on the proposed amendment bill, Ngami MP, Mr Caterpillar Hikuama said although he had no problems with the bill, he was worried about the motive behind the amendment, saying it targeted certain individuals. Mr Hikuama also said laws should not be made to target individuals in a democratic set up.
However, Dr Lemogang Kwape of Kanye South supported the bill, saying it was coming up at the right time.
He said the proposed amendments were not targeting anyone, but were intended to ensure adherence to the rule of law.He said the influx of arms and ammunition had led to increased cases of armed robberies which were a threat to the country’s security and defeated efforts to lure investors.
The legislator for Mmopane-Lentsweletau constituency, Ms Nnaniki Makwinja supported the bill, saying it was long overdue as penalties prescribed on the act were very low.
She said there was a need for the law to be strict to deter unwanted behaviours and the proliferation of firearms into the country.
Ms Makwinja further said she also supported efforts to arm the police, whom she said were often overpowered by members of society.
Mr Onneetse Ramogapi of Palapye said the new proposed punishments were too high as some of the penalties were raised from 10 years imprisonment term to 25 years.
In terms of fines, he said some were increased from P20 000 to P500 000 and P30 000 to P300 000.
He said the proposed amendments were not taking into consideration that not all people who were convicted had contravened the law, saying some failed to defend themselves hence convicted.Mr Ramogapi also said the amendments said nothing about crimes committed using firearms, but only addressed possessing firearms.
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