30 October 2009
Luanda — At least 67,000 firearms have been collected countrywide, as part of the process of disarmament civilians in illegal possession of firearms.
This was said Friday in Luanda by the deputy commander of the National Police, Paulo de Almeida, who said this has led to a substantial reduction of crimes committed with firearms, on a proportion of 10 to four.
The deputy commander was speaking to Angop, on the occasion of the World Disarmament Week, annually celebrated from October 24-31, coinciding with the foundation of the UN (October 24, 1945).
"These are encouraging and positive figures, but the country is still recording the surrender of firearms by citizens", stressed the officer.
He explained that now the corporation will focus its attention on crime gangs who possess weapons.
However, the source noted that the programme of disarmament is being carried out with success, in comparison with the countries that went through similar processes.
As an example, he said, he mentioned the cases of Brazil, Namibia, Mozambique and, saying Angola is doing well, although those countries had chosen the rewarding method.
The source also said that the operation lead to the collection of more than 250,000, ammunitions, 36,000 loaders and more than 18,000 explosives.
According to the officer, Paulo de Almeida, who coordinates the techn ical sub-committees for disarmament of citizens in the illegal possession of weapons, the provinces of Luanda, Huila, Moxico, Kuando Kubango and Huambo, have topped the list of voluntary surrender of firearms.
The disarmament process in Angola started in May, 2008.
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