Harsher gun penalties proposed

HARSHER penalties have been proposed for those in possession of illegal firearms and those involved in crimes using guns.
Prime Minister James Marape, who brought the gun issue in Parliament yesterday, said gun-related issues and violence were the cause of major law and order problems in the country and wanted Parliament to debate and propose ways to find an amicable solution to address them.
He said penalties for gun-related issues and the use of other deadly weapons should receive greater and harsher penalties as a deterrent.
“In my view, the licenced gun is not an issue but the unlicenced firearms are of great concern for everyone. We have to protect and secure our communities from gun,” he said.
Marape said in the Highlands, the wealth of clans are mobilised to buy guns and synonymous to every other province that led to a lot of tribal fights. He said as the population grew, the gun issue was also going to grow and was going to be a major issue.
“Therefore, I want us to debate and look into how best we can curtail use of guns and therefore I’m proposing an increase in penalty.”