In line with the regional initiative aimed at curbing the proliferation of illegal weapons in the SADC region, Botswana has destroyed 299 firearms.

The firearms were either confiscated from criminals engaging in cross-border robberies or voluntarily surrendered to the Botswana Police Service.

Speaking to NBC News on the sidelines of an event held at Otse Police College on the outskirts of Gaborone recently, Senior Staff Officer in the Legal Services Branch, Senior Superintendent Piet Gabotoswe, said the firearms destroyed comprised 214 shotguns, 75 rifles and 10 pistols.

Gabotoswe urged people in possession of illegal or obsolete firearms to take advantage of the amnesty period by handing them over to their nearest police station before the end of September 2026.

"Today, it is a commemoration of gun destruction. It is commemorated by all the countries globally. We are here to destroy the guns. These guns were both voluntarily surrendered by their previous owners, while others were confiscated from those who were engaged in criminal activities. Some of the guns were forfeited to the state by the courts of law. The idea is to curb proliferation of illegal firearms in the SADC region."

SADC has designated September as Africa Amnesty Month, during which members of the public are encouraged to surrender illegal firearms without fear of prosecution for unlawful possession.

The annual destruction exercise forms part of regional efforts to reduce the circulation of illicit firearms and strengthen public safety across SADC member states.