INSPECTOR General of Police Francis Kabonde has expressed concern at the number of firearms which are still in wrong hands in various parts of Zambia with only about 200 weapons surrendered to the police this year under the arms amnesty.

Mr Kabonde said he was convinced there were still a lot firearms in wrong hands and the Government was considering increasing the amount of money to pay people surrendering the weapons to K1 million from K500,000 per weapon.

In an interview in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Kabonde said in 2009, only 193 firearms had been surrendered to the police under the arms amnesty.

"As police, we are convinced beyond doubt there are still a lot of firearms lying around and we hope the public can take the imitative to surrender them without being forced," he said.

He said police was aware some people were using the firearms to conduct their criminal acts.

Mr Kabonde said that North-Western Province recorded the highest number of surrendered guns followed by Western, Lusaka and then Southern.

He appealed to the public to take advantage of the funds being provided under the arms amnesty when surrendering the weapons.

He warned that the police would not hesitate to arrest and deal with any person found with a firearm without proper documentation.