BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
KaLANGA – The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) has issued a firm warning that firearms cannot be inherited as personal property, stressing that all weapons belonging to deceased licensed owners must be surrendered to police immediately in line with the law.
Speaking on June 27, 2026 during the KaLanga Umphakatsi Thanksgiving Prayer Service, Siteki Police Station Commander, Senior Superintendent Elmon Nkonde, said the position is clearly provided for under the Arms and Ammunition Act of 1964, which stipulates that a firearm becomes state property upon the death of its registered owner.
“Sibhamu akusilo lifa,” said Senior Superintendent Nkonde, emphasizing that a firearm is not part of a deceased estate that can be distributed like ordinary assets.
He warned families and estate executors against privately keeping, transferring, or selling firearms left behind by deceased relatives, saying such actions constitute unlawful possession under the Arms and Ammunition Act, 1964 and carry serious criminal penalties.
Nkonde explained that once a licensed firearm holder dies, the firearm licence automatically becomes invalid, and the weapon must be surrendered to the nearest Royal Eswatini Police Service station for safe custody while estate procedures are being processed.
He further noted that the appointed executor of the estate is required to notify the Registrar and engage the Central Firearms Registry (CFR), which supervises all lawful processes regarding disposal or transfer.
According to the Act and established procedures, firearms from deceased estates may only be handled through legal channels, including transfer to a licensed heir who successfully applies for a new firearm licence, sale to a registered arms dealer, or lawful deactivation or destruction under police supervision.
The REPS Commander further cautioned that any unlicensed possession of a firearm within a household, even temporarily after the owner’s death, is an offence under the Arms and Ammunition Act.
He also reminded the public about national firearm surrender programmes, including the annual Africa Amnesty Month in September, when individuals may voluntarily surrender illegal or unwanted firearms without fear of arrest or prosecution.
The statement formed part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement to strengthen compliance with firearm laws and enhance public safety across Eswatini.
#KaLangaUmphakatsi #REPS #FirearmsAct1964 #SibhamuAkusiloLifa #PublicSafety
