PAPUA New Guineans in possession of illegal weapons face life in prison.
Prime Minister James Marape made the warning as he announced a weapons amnesty and handed over control of the police portfolio to Kombiam–Ambum MP, Sir John Pundari.
The prime minister cited the ongoing violence in the Upper Highlands as a key reason for the appointment.
“If you are in possession of an illegal weapon, surrender it,’’ Marape said.
An amnesty period for the voluntary surrender of illegal firearms will be announced soon.
“We will embrace you during the amnesty period, but once it ends, enforcement will be firm and uncompromising,” Marape said in a press conference after the National Executive Council met in Port Moresby.
He said specialized police intelligence was operating across the country to gather information about illegal weapons.
Marape said the country was at a critical stage, requiring decisive action to address gun violence and criminal activity, and warned that gun-related crime would no longer be tolerated.
Police units are expected to target known hotspots in efforts to restore public safety nationwide.