Luanda – At least 18 people, out of a total of 38 arrested by the National Police over the last three months in Luanda, for illegal possession of firearms, are awaiting trial.

The information was released Friday in Luanda by deputy commander of the National Police, Paulo de Almeida.
 

Speaking to Angop on the occasion of the World Disarmament Week, the police officer said there has a been a rise in cases of people found in illegal possession of firearms, as compared with the previous three months.

 
 
He said the police will act with more strictness to reach the groups that eventually persist in keeping illegal possession of firearms.

The process of disarming citizens in illegal possession of firearms started in May 2008 and comprises four phases. They are "Organisation and sensitisation”, "Voluntary surrender”, "Coercive disarming” and “Control".

 
The National Commission for Disarmament was created with the purpose of reducing the proliferation of firearms, especially those illegally owned.