DAR ES SALAAM, Oct 31 (NNN-IRIN) – Tanzanian authorities yesterday announced a one-month countrywide special operation, aimed at recovering illegal arms owned by unauthorised individuals.
George Simbachawene, the Minister for Home Affairs, announced the operation in the capital, Dodona, saying, the operation will start tomorrow, Nov 1 through Nov 30.
“Those who fail to surrender the illegally owned firearms after the one-month operation will be hunted down and face the full force of the law,” Simbachawene told a press conference.
In addition, the minister announced an amnesty to people, who will surrender the firearms voluntarily.
“The firearms should be surrendered to police stations or to local government authorities, everyday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.,” said Simbachawene.
He directed regional and district commissioners, who are chairpersons of defence and security committees, to oversee the operation in their respective regions and districts.– NNN-IRIN
