Successful Applicants To Acquire Firearms
The Arms and Ammunition Quota Board held a raffle draw in Gaborone yesterday (25/07/2022), where 270 applicants were awarded permits for shotguns and rifles. Each category was awarded 135 permits.
This year, Botswana Police Service (BPS) received 7 274 applications for licences to acquire shotguns and 6 490 for rifles compared to 19 528 for shotguns and 15 954 for rifles in the previous year. The results show a decrease in the number of applicants this year.
In his welcoming remarks, Acting Commissioner of Police, who is also the Chairperson of the Arms and Ammunition Quota Board, Mr Phemelo Ramakorwane explained that the raffle is held in an open environment to ensure transparency of the process.
Mr Ramakorwane emphasised the need for firearm owners to follow the proper procedure for exchanging and transferring firearms. He said this would prevent them from being used in criminal activities. Furthermore, the Acting Commissioner advised owners to keep firearms under lock and key to avoid mishandling that may result in casualties.
The Chairperson pointed out that the BPS continues to collaborate with other stakeholders on best practices about the management of arms and ammunition. The collaboration plays a significant role in the effective implementation of Regional and International Protocols such as Small Arms and Light Weapons and the Arms Trade Treaty, which Botswana is a signatory to.
In his closing remarks, the Arms and Ammunition Quota Board Vice Chairperson, Dr Bokani Kebaatlhotse thanked those who came to the draw. He urged those unsuccessful in the raffle draw not to be discouraged but to try their luck next time.
