The Internal Security Minister, Peter Tsiamalili Jnr has advised that as soon as the Domestic Terrorism Bill is enacted, the issue of possession of illegal high- powered weapons will be fully addressed.
This was the response raised to queries from the Mendi-Munihu, Raphael Tonpi on how the ministry will be looking to regulate the number of illegal firearms in the Highlands region.
Minister Tsiamalili stated that this is an important issue that many have noted in recent times and in addressing this the police force has taken note of this and have captured this in the Domestic Terrorism Bill.
“It will go before Parliament, so that it will give us teeth in regulating and enforcing the procurement of these illegal firearms.”
He stated that the Bill has already been completed and is being put through the process in Cabinet before tabling to parliament.
The Minister added that it will allow police force at any one time to have access to anyone that the police deem to be a threat and that is facilitating firearms, regardless of their status.
The minister alluded that many of those that have access to these illegal firearms have access to funds and can acquire them at any time.
“So, this act, when it comes into action, I now put everyone on notice that it will hone down on those that have access to funds because those that have access to funds, are the only ones that can pay for such high-powered expensive firearms.”