SURRENDER OF ILLEGAL FIREARMS CONTINUE IN SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS & HELA

CAPTION: Four high-powered guns and ammunition handed over by Mabuanda wards.

BY SAMUEL RAITANO

THREE council wards in Kagua LLG of Kagua Erave district, Southern Highlands Province have taken the first step to surrender illegal firearms to the police on Saturday.

The wards are Mabuanda 1, Mabuanda 2 and Tumbalere.

The three wards, mainly made up of Kulumbu tribe decided to take lead and set example for the rest of the district by encouraging the handover of up to six high powered firearms.

The initiative was taken under the guidance of local leaders Kita Yambi, Principal of Ialibu Secondary School, representing Mabuanda wards, and ward councillor for Tumbalere, Michael Paita.

They say they want schools and other government services and not guns.

This initiative follows the extension of national guns amnesty period to the end of this month.

The call on rest of Kagua Erave District especially in volatile and tribal war torn the areas is to follow the example of the Kulumbu tribe.

Those wishing to hand over their illegal firearms are encouraged to do so at Kagua Police station.

Meanwhile, the province-wide gun amnesty continued in Tagali LLG, Hela Province, with the surrender taking place at Halongali ECPNG Mission Station in Tari-Pori District.

Provincial Police Commander Inspector Arau Mairi confirmed the Munima team handed in its firearms this morning, while other tribal groups are also surrendering weapons.

Inspector Mairi urged individuals, youths and community leaders to use the opportunity to hand in factory-made and homemade guns, ammunition, grenades and other weapons, assuring no arrests or searches for those participating.

He said the surrender shows Tagali is choosing peace over guns, following the example set by Tebi LLG.