Home affairs, immigration, safety and security minister Lucia Iipumbu says a total of 86 firearms and 3 197 rounds of ammunition were surrendered to the Namibian Police nationwide during the amnesty period last year.
Speaking at the launch of the 2026 Firearm Amnesty Month in Windhoek on Wednesday, Iipumbu said there is growing trust between the state and citizens due the initiative.
“This reaffirms that our collective efforts are bearing fruit.
Voluntary disarmament is not new to the continent or to Namibia.
We have built a wealth of experience at national level in removing illicit arms from civilian possession, efforts that have increased trust between the state and citizens,” she said.
She said while challenges have occurred, these initiatives form a solid foundation for implementing Africa Amnesty Month.
Amnesty Month is a call to action for members of the public who may be in possession of unlicensed firearms, ammunition, or explosives to surrender them voluntarily to the police with no questions asked or prosecution.
Namibian Police acting inspector general Anne-Marie Nainda during the launch said unlicensed weapons pose a threat to public safety, calling the initiative a national effort to prevent violence and save lives.
“The presence of illegal firearms in our communities poses a serious threat to the safety and well-being of our citizens,” Nainda said.
“These weapons, often unregulated and in the wrong hands, become tools of violence, contributing to crime, conflict, and unnecessary loss of life.”
She acknowledged that handing in weapons can be a difficult decision for some, but she reassured the public that the process will be handled confidentially and safely.
“I assure every citizen that this amnesty period is a genuine opportunity to make a difference without fear of legal repercussions,” she said.
“This is not about punishment; it is about prevention.”
Nainda presented crime statistics from September 2025 to June 2026 to emphasise the urgency of the situation. During that period, the police recorded 261 cases of robbery with aggravating circumstances, 176 cases of pointing a firearm, 170 cases of possession of arms and ammunition, 94 cases of theft of a firearm, 88 cases of unauthorised possession of a firearm and 20 cases of murder involving firearms.
“These statistics are a clear indication that crimes involving firearms are serious concerns for our society and the country in general,” Nainda said.
To facilitate the handover, designated police stations across Namibia will act as secure surrender points throughout September.
Nainda called on community, religious, political leaders, and the media to help spread the word and encourage participation.
Members of the public have until 30 September to surrender their unlicensed firearms and ammunition to the police.
