Africa-Press – Tanzania. Illegal firearms owners in the region have one month to surrender their weapons.
Those who fail to honor such a directive will face the music, Kilimanjaro regional commissioner Stephen Kagaigai has warned.
“Those who will fail to surrender the illegally owned firearms after the one-month operation will be hunted down and face the full force of the law,” warned the regional commissioner here recently.
Mr Kagaigai also appealed to legal firearm owners to develop a habit of inspecting their ammunitions for proper caliber, dents, corrosion and misaligned bullet seating. Such firearms include pistols, Sub-machine guns and AK 47s.
Late last month, the government announced a one-month countrywide special operation aimed at recovering illegal arms owned by unauthorized individuals.
The operation is due to end on November 30 this year, according to Home Affairs Minister, George Simbachawene.
In addition, the minister announced an amnesty to people who will surrender the firearms voluntarily.
“The firearms should be surrendered to police stations or to local government authorities every day from 8am to 4pm,” the minister said.
Mr Simbachawene further directed regional and district commissioners, who are chairpersons of defense and security committees, to oversee the operation in their respective regions and districts.
Meanwhile, Regional Immigration Officer, Martin Mwenda appealed to members of the public to refrain from entertaining or hosting aliens.
The immigration officer further alleged that some aliens were using the country as a gateway to other places, in pursuit of blissful life.
“Some get sweet-talked into hosting them at your houses, what you’re doing is against law and such accomplices will be arrested,” warned the senior immigration officer.
Mr Mwenda further urged members of the public to report to authorities people who house illegal immigrants.
For More News And Analysis About Tanzania Follow Africa-Press
