5 Oct 2017

PNG declares moratorium on new firearm licences

9:06 am on 5 October 2017

The police minister in Papua New Guinea has declared a moratorium on new firearm licences due to what he calls the unprecedented growth in gun-related violence and killings.

no caption

Photo: AFP

Jelta Wong said the ban would remain for an indefinite period.

The minister said recent incidents of gun-related violence in PNG include the killing of four policemen - two in Enga during the election and two in the Southern Highlands last week.

He said the PNG defence force, police and correctional services are exempt from the moratorium.