The death penalty will be imposed under the new laws (Life Imprisonment Act & Firearms Act) if you are still holding illegal firearms after the end of the amnesty period on 16th September 2026, Sir John Pundari told Parliament yesterday.
Police Minister Pundari informed members of Parliament during Question Time on the floor of Parliament.
Related news: https://www.postcourier.com.pg/gun-ammunition-amnesty-declared-nationwide-as-of-march-17/
“It is now the grace period and the right time for the people of PNG to surrender their illegal firearms before the ongoing amnesty period ends.”
Sir Pundari praised the leadership of the Marape-Rosso Government for its commitment to prioritizing law and order issues, saying the country is expected to introduce these new amendments during the next Parliament sitting.
The new laws (amendment acts) include:
● Firearms Act
● Life Imprisonment Act
● Offensive Act
Sir Pundari also stressed that during this amnesty period, citizens are responsible for reporting and licensing high-powered guns.
“You should not have high-powered guns for your security,” Sir Pundari said, calling on those in possession to surrender them before facing the law.
He urged police and PNGDF personnel not to assist in the transportation of high-powered guns. “If you are identified, the law will deal with you.”
Sir Pundari also called on warlords, killers, and warriors, saying their enemies are often their own family members within the same clan, who may report them to police during personal disputes.
“Therefore, I call on you to return your illegal firearms now before 16th September.”
In responding to the Western Highlands Governor’s questions, Sir Pundari informed the honorable members:
“The guns amnesty and illegal firearms buy-back program is a National Government policy being implemented under my watch as Police Minister.”
He said the National Government, under his authority as Police Minister, is overseeing the program.
“Buy-back gun payments have not yet been made. During this amnesty period, we are collecting data, including details of the guns, owners’ names or families, and clans.
“We are also looking at common interests where payments can be used for education, agriculture, or other business investments,” Sir Pundari said.
Sir Pundari added, “After we have reached all parts of the country, I will submit proposals to NEC accordingly for funding, and payments will then be made.”
In responding to the last question, Sir Pundari said, “The guns collected so far are not for police use; they are secured under government custody.”
Moreover, Sir Pundari said that after the new amendment laws are passed, there will be no tolerance of offensive practices in the city.
He called on the people of PNG: “If you are caught at the marketplace with a bush knife, the penalty is 10 years or K50,000.00.”
Sir Pundari said, “The country has faced these challenges over the past 50 years. It is now our time to reset in alignment with PNG’s 50th anniversary, led by the National Government towards progress.”
Sir Pundari said the national amnesty period guns buy-back program is not only for the police or government.
It requires collective support from provincial governments, district members, LLG presidents, and ward councilors to work together in unity to restore peace in communities, he said.
“Illegal guns will not change the country or bring benefits to your family or communities; instead, they will harm you, your loved ones, and destroy government services,” Sir Pundari said.
Related news: https://www.thepngsun.com/sir-john-to-launch-national-firearms-amnesty-and-guns-buy-back-policy-in-wabag/
“Let us surrender illegal firearms so that we can have a great celebration on 16th September and call it a firearms-free country.”