Windhoek: As part of the country's commitment to the African Union Master Roadmap to Silence the Guns in Africa (2021-2030) initiative, the Namibian Police Force is urging the public to surrender illegal firearms, ammunition, armaments, and related materials. This appeal is part of an annual amnesty period that runs from September 1 to September 30, aimed at reducing armed violence and crime and protecting families and communities.
According to Namibia Press Agency, a statement released by NamPol spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, clarifies that individuals who surrender unlicensed firearms, ammunition, armaments, and related materials during this period will not face arrest or prosecution. Shikwambi emphasized that this measure aligns with the Arms and Ammunition Act 7 of 1996 and encouraged people to take advantage of this opportunity. She cautioned that illegal possession of firearms or ammunition after the amnesty period may lead to prosecution.
The statement also highlighted the initiative's success since its inception, noting that the 2025 September Amnesty resulted in the surrender of 86 firearms and 3,197 rounds of ammunition. This outcome indicates that unlicensed firearms, ammunition, and armaments continue to be in circulation. From September 2025 until June 2026, there were 20 reported murder cases involving firearms and 261 cases of robbery with aggravating circumstances, along with 176 cases of pointing of firearms and 88 cases of unauthorized firearm possession.
In the Omaheke Region, regional police spokesperson Fina Sakajengenga noted that the items eligible for surrender include illegal firearms such as pistols, rifle ammunition, explosives, and military-grade weapons. She assured the public that no questions will be asked about the origin of the surrendered weapons and that trained police officers will securely handle all surrendered items anonymously.
Sakajengenga further appealed to community members, traditional leaders, church leaders, farmers, business owners, youth neighborhood watch groups, and other community stakeholders to support the initiative by spreading the message and encouraging the voluntary surrender of illegal firearms and ammunition. She concluded by urging, "Surrender illegal firearms, ammunition, and armaments for a safer Omaheke Region and a safer Namibia at large. This is a step towards maintaining peace."