By DALCY LULUA
Prime Minister James Marape has issued a stern warning to illegal gun holders and individuals involved in criminal activities, urging them to surrender their weapons or face severe penalties, including life imprisonment.
Speaking during a press conference yesterday, as he was about to depart overseas, the Prime Minister said the government has reached a tipping point on gun violence and lawlessness and will now move decisively to restore law and order.
“This is a clear message to those holding illegal firearms: hand them in now,” he said. “If you know you are in possession of an illegal gun, surrender it.”
Mr Marape said police already have strong intelligence on individuals and groups hoarding firearms across the country, warning that failure to cooperate would result in harsh legal consequences.
“If you do not hand them in, police will come after you and you will face severe jail sentences or life imprisonment,” he said.
Mr Marape described the warning as final, calling on all citizens to cooperate with authorities.
“Time is tough now,” he said, warning that the government will no longer tolerate gun-related violence.
He said authorities have gathered sufficient intelligence nationwide and dismissed any belief that security operations are inactive.
“Every province where illegal firearms exist has already been profiled. Do not think security operations are not happening,” he said.
The Prime Minister confirmed that an amnesty period will be announced to allow the voluntary surrender of illegal weapons, with details to be formally communicated by the Police Minister, Police Commissioner, and relevant authorities.
“We will embrace you during the amnesty period, but once it ends, enforcement will be firm and uncompromising,” he said.
Mr Marape also revealed that specialized police intelligence units are already operating quietly across the country.
“These are not just the mobile squads you see. Special officers are already in place, carrying out their work discreetly,” he said.
He assured the public that police and defence forces would be fully supported as they enforce the law.
“My police and my defence will not be blamed for doing their work,” Marape said.
Highlighting areas of concern, the Prime Minister urged authorities to focus on known hotspots of gun violence, saying the country has had enough.
The strong warning signals an intensified nationwide crackdown on illegal firearms as the government moves to restore law and order and improve public safety.