Amend gun laws, says Chief Chikwanda
THE firearm laws of this country are weak and need to be amended, Chief Chikwanda of the Bemba speaking people of Mpika District has said.
Commenting on a magistrate’s court’s verdict in which Mpika businessman was fined K5, 000 for being in possession of ammunition in excess of authorised quantities and failing to renew firearm licenses, Chief Chikwanda said there was need for serious amendment to firearm laws of the country.
Chief Chikwanda said the current firearm laws are ancient, weak and a danger to the nation hence the need to be amended.
Chief Chikwanda said the firearm laws in their current form are a recipe of anarchy and are a menace to the peace that the country had enjoyed over the years.
‘‘Honestly speaking the firearm laws that we are using as country are ancient and do not really suit the current times.
“We must have laws that restrict number of firearms an individual can own, who should own guns and the types of firearms a private citizen can have.
If government does not take interest in amending gun laws then the future will not be good for the country because people will be owning as many guns as possible maybe 30 ,40 guns for what? ’’Chief Chikwanda said.
And Chief Chikwanda has urged to the director of public prosecutions (DPP) to revisit the matter in which a Mpika businessman was freed after paying a K5000 for failing to renew firearm licenses.
‘‘The Mpika case sets a very bad precedent for our legal system as regards to firearm related matters and people in my chiefdom are very concerned, with that kind of judgement it means people can have as many guns as possible and in case of any litigation someone will be able to pay a K5, 000 and will be set free .
We urge the prosecutors through the DPP to revisit the case and appeal against the judgement,” Chief Chikwanda added.