PNG Opposition Labels Guns Amnesty “Cash for Criminals” Ahead of Launch

Papua New Guinea’s Opposition has criticised the Government’s firearms amnesty and buyback scheme, describing it as “cash for criminals” and an ethical failure as the country continues to grapple with illegal weapons.

 PNG Opposition Labels Guns Amnesty “Cash for Criminals” Ahead of Launch

Deputy Opposition Leader Keith Iduhu said the policy risked rewarding offenders instead of strengthening law enforcement mechanisms to tackle gun-related violence.

The 21-day programme, scheduled to begin on Friday, will provide financial incentives to individuals who voluntarily surrender illegal firearms to police without facing prosecution.

Police Minister Sir John Pundari announced the initiative last week during a police gathering, stating it was a key strategy to remove illegal weapons and rebuild public trust in law enforcement.

Applying what he described as the Opposition’s Eson Framework — “Em Stret, O Nogat?” — Mr Iduhu questioned the ethics of using taxpayer funds to purchase weapons acquired through unlawful means.

“A Government that rewards criminals instead of empowering the police to enforce the law has lost its way,” he said. “A just approach to illegal firearms involves upholding the law and prosecuting those involved in their acquisition and use.”

He also raised concerns about the source of funding and warned that cash incentives could potentially be misused to obtain other illegal items, adding that any amnesty programme should support, not weaken, existing legal enforcement frameworks.