Luanda – At least 112, 76 firearms of different kinds have been collected from civilians under the civilian disarmament program that started in 2008 in Angola, the general commander of the National Police, Arnaldo Carlos, said Thursday in Luanda.
Of this number, 96,700 weapons have been destroyed as they were unsuitable for use by the armed forces.
The Police commander disclosed the data at a ceremony for the reception of weapons of war in possession of private security companies and the handover of smaller caliber arms by the National Police.
According to the commander, the purpose of the replacement of weapons of war by light weapons is to provide private security companies with firearms compatible with the nature of their missions or tasks.
"We intend to start the year focused on solving one of the main constraints on public security, which is to control the possession and use of weapons of war, with the aim of reducing the impact on the practice of violent crimes that generally have a negative impact on the population's sense of security," the police chief said.
Arnaldo Carlos added that the armed conflict that ravaged the country until April 2002 favored the proliferation of firearms of various calibers, including their possession by civilians.
The commander said the weapons of war would be sent to the National Commission for the Disarmament of the Civilian Population for storage and labeling, adding that weapons of war in possession of private security companies in fact belong to the Angolan Armed Forces (FAA) or the National Police.
On the occasion, the Chief of Staff of the Angolan Armed Forces, Altino Carlos Santos, stressed that the illegal possession of weapons of war is a crime, taking into account that the Angolan state acquires them for the country's security.
The Chief of Staff recalled that the weapons of war are property of the Angolan state and thanked the National Police and private and public companies for their collaboration in this process of exchanging war material, underlining that it contributes to the consolidation of social peace, harmony and concord.
The high- ranking officer asked for the commitment of all Angolan citizens in the permanent search for the stability necessary for the sustainable and harmonious development of the country.
The replacement process has already involved 1,298 weapons of war, including 1,281 rifles and 17 pistols.
At least 142 private companies have received 3,488 defense weapons, with the respective documentation, of which 3,426 rifles and 62 pistols. JAM/OHA/TED/AMP
