The Zambia Police (ZP) has revealed that […]

The Zambia Police (ZP) has revealed that most firearms used in domestic-related disputes across the country are legally acquired and registered, with authorities attributing the incidents largely to the negligent or deliberate misuse of licensed weapons by their owners.

 Speaking in an interview with Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Zambia Police Public Relations Officer, Godfrey Chilabi said while the country has recorded cases involving shootings, murders and suicides linked to firearms, the majority of guns recovered in domestic-related incidents are legally owned.

Chilabi said every licensed firearm owner undergoes guidance on the proper handling and use of firearms, including being taught what the Police Service refers to as the “Ten Commandments on the use of firearms,” but some individuals still choose to ignore those rules. “The gun owner knows that they’re not supposed to use a gun unjustifiably, and then this person decides to use that gun willingly out of negligence,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chilabi told ZBT that investigations have shown that firearms used in family disputes, relationship conflicts and other domestic-related cases are, in most instances, legally acquired and registered under the names of the individuals involved rather than being sourced from the black market. “Most of the guns, when it comes to domestic-related issues and conflicts out there, in most cases these guns are registered guns and legally acquired,” he said.

However, the Police spokesperson dismissed suggestions that the country’s growing illegal mining activities are contributing to the increase in firearm-related crimes, saying Zambia has not experienced widespread cases where illegal miners are found in possession of guns during law enforcement operations.

“We have not recorded incidents where those doing illegal mining have ended up using guns, and if we have, maybe it could be a few isolated incidents,” said Chilabi. He further urged members of the public to immediately report any licensed firearm holder who threatens, intimidates or brandishes a gun during disagreements, warning that early reporting enables the Zambia Police Service to intervene before situations escalate into fatal incidents, including revoking firearm licences where abuse is established. Chilabi added that firearm ownership comes with legal responsibilities and appealed to all licensed gun owners to exercise maximum restraint and responsibility.

Article by Phillip Sinkala