Towards a Safe and Secure Nation: The First Consultative Conference on Firearm Control, Ownership and Administration in Botswana, 13-15 May, 2003

The role of the private sector in small control by BOCCIM
Joseph Lisindi

The menace of illegal firearms spread throughout our country must not be understated. The threat it poses to Botswana's hitherto enviable internationally acclaimed status of "The Island of Sanity" is real because robberies and deaths caused by firearms are increasing. This increase in cases of crime using firearms is a matter of grave concern. We, as the business community feel that if appropriate corrective measures are not put in place soon, the situation will get out of control.

Director of Ceremonies, ladies and gentlemen, investment and business are attracted by and thrive on peace and security. An environment littered with illegal firearms which are used for robberies and life-threatening activities is not appealing to investors, both foreign and domestic. Proliferation of illicit firearms creates an insecure environment for business operations.

'Bagaetsho', as we all are aware, no investment, no jobs - absence of jobs breeds poverty and poverty breeds social chaos. Therefore, there are many reasons for all of us to get worried about the increase of armed robberies and illegal ownership of firearms.

There is a greater need for personal and business security. If people feel that their personal safety, the safety of their families and that of their property and investments are in danger, they will resort to arming themselves for self protection and protection of their property. This, ladies and gentlemen, will be against the spirit of our national Vision of "Building a Safe and Secure Nation".

The business community must have confidence that its assets and investments are safe. As we are deliberating these issues today, the business sector is gravely concerned about the increasing number of armed robberies and personal attacks using firearms.

Ladies and gentlemen, the private sector looks up to the Government to take the lead in preventing, combating and eradicating the illegal proliferation of firearms in all its aspects. This we feel can be achieved through:

Adequate laws for effective control of firearms.
Stiffer penalties that will make illegal possession of firearms and armed robberies a high risk and low return business for criminals.
Effective tracing and monitoring mechanisms for all licensed and legally-owned firearms in the country.
Adequately equipping law enforcement agencies with modern equipment for rapid response to incidences of armed robberies and other illegal uses of firearms.

Government alone, however, cannot fight this scourge. It requires a concerted effort from all segments of society to ensure success and rooting out this threat and menace to our nation. There is a need to involve the private sector and civil society in combating the illegal use of firearms. Again Ladies and Gentlemen, this can be achieved through:

Protection of informers and whistle-blowers on suspected illegal possessions and use of firearms.
Greater public education on illegal firearms so that the business community and civil society can effectively interact with the law enforcement agencies.
Creating an enabling environment for the rest of the parties other than government and its law enforcement agencies.

The private sector supports that where there is a serious threat to life and property, the limits to civil liberties should become a norm. Actions by law enforcement agencies like stop-and-search operations should be viewed as a necessary inconvenience.

The private sector has gone a long way in venturing into security businesses, not only to make profit but also to compliment the government initiatives to combating crime. Despite our intentions being frustrated by armed criminals and robbers who often attack our unarmed security personnel, the private sector remains steadfast on the principle of an armsfree society. A lot of money is channelled towards security of property and persons; this is the money that should be channelled towards other pressing needs, among them, HIV/AIDS and drought.

The organised private sector in Botswana is governed by a Code of Good Conduct in carrying out its business. The illicit trade in firearms is therefore outside organised business.

Wealth does not come from the barrel of a gun, but rather, from hard work and sweat - and that's our "motto" as the business community.

In conclusion, Ladies and Gentlemen, to win the war against illegal firearms and armed crimes, we need to form strategic alliances, and the private sector will continue to be your ally in finding the solutions to this scourge.

We thank you very much for your listening.