A moratorium on the issuance of new firearm licenses has been declared today by the Minister for Police, Jelta Wong.
This is in the wake of an unprecedented trend of gun-related violence and killings reported in parts of Papua New Guinea.
The ban will remain in effect for an indefinite period.
Minister Wong said the government is taking this measure because of the increasing number of gun-related violence and killings reported in certain parts of the country in recent times.
These include the shooting deaths of four policemen – two in Enga at the height of the recently concluded 2017 National General elections and two in Southern Highlands Province last weekend.
The country’s three disciplinary forces which include the Papua New Guinea Defense Force, Police and Correctional Services are however exempted from this moratorium.
In compliance with this government directive, the Police Commissioner who is also the Registrar of Firearms will not entertain new applications for the purchase and issuance of new gun licenses.
Minister Wong made this declaration by virtue of the powers conferred under Section 5A (1) of the Firearms Act Chapter 310 and all other enabling powers bestowed on him under the Constitution.