The police have called on members of the public to voluntarily surrender illegal and unwanted firearms and ammunition without fear of arrest or prosecution.

This is in line with an amnesty period for the month of September, launched on Wednesday in the capital.

The amnesty will run from the 1st to 30 September.

The Police Acting Inspector General Anne-Marie Nainda says illegal firearms remain a serious threat to public safety and contribute to crime, conflict and unnecessary loss of life.

Major General Nainda explained that the amnesty period is not punitive in nature.

She revealed that from September 2025 to June 2026, the country recorded 20 murder cases involving firearms, 261 cases of robbery with aggravating circumstances, 176 cases of pointing a firearm, and 88 cases of unauthorised possession of firearms.

"I would love to appeal to the public who are still in possession of illegal arms to take advantage of this period and surrender them to the nearest police station. Therefore, I would like to assure the nation that the Namibian Police Force will welcome everyone who hands in all unlicensed arms, ammunition, armaments, and related materials, without arrest or prosecution."

Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security minister Lucia Iipumbu says the initiative forms part of the African Union's efforts to silence the guns and promote peace and security across the continent.

She indicated that the 2025 Amnesty Month yielded positive results, with 86 firearms and 3,197 rounds of ammunition voluntarily surrendered to the police across the country.

The minister warned that once the amnesty period expires, those found in possession of unlicensed firearms, ammunition or armaments will face arrest and prosecution under national laws.

"Amnesty Month is, therefore, a call to action, a call to every Namibian who may be in possession of an unlicensed firearm, ammunition, or explosives to surrender them voluntarily. No questions asked. No prosecution. Only a firm commitment from the state to protect lives and restore peace in our communities."