Written by: Mohammed Omran
On Friday, July 31, 2026, the Botswana Police Service (BPS) burned a number of firearms that had been voluntarily surrendered, during an event held at the Botswana Police College in Otse, as part of efforts to reduce the spread of weapons and enhance security.
No place for weapons outside the law: Botswana burns 299 firearms
The destruction operation included the destruction of 299 firearms, including 214 shotguns, 75 rifles, and 10 pistols.
This initiative is part of an annual program implemented by the Botswana Police in accordance with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) protocols on the control of firearms, ammunition and other related materials, with similar operations being carried out annually in various countries of the region.
During the event, the senior officer of the Legal Services Branch, Chief Superintendent Pete Gabutosui, said that all the weapons destroyed this year had been voluntarily surrendered by their licensed owners, in compliance with the laws regulating the possession of weapons.
Gabutoswe explained that the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has designated September as “Africa Amnesty Month (AAM),” a program aimed at encouraging citizens to voluntarily hand over illegal firearms in their possession, without facing prosecution for illegal possession.
He added that this initiative represents an important opportunity to get rid of illegal weapons and reduce the risk of their use in crimes, calling on all people who own illegal or old firearms to take advantage of the amnesty period and hand them over to the nearest police station before the end of September 2026.
Botswana police confirmed that the continued implementation of these initiatives comes within the framework of its commitment to implementing the protocols of the Southern African Development Community and strengthening regional efforts aimed at combating the spread of illegal weapons, which contributes to supporting security and stability within Botswana and the countries of the region.
