Replica firearms not smuggled, not capable of firing live munitions: Mangau

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) again reiterated that the replica firearms supplied by China to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) in 2022 are not capable of firing live munitions and are meant for training purposes.

This is in response to an article released by the Opposition Office published in the Solomon Star asking the Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau to come clean and reveal the hidden truth of the replica guns.

Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau has clearly explained in a press release disseminated by the RSIPF Media Unit to other media outlets and was posted on the RSIPF Facebook page as a response on this matter on 22 February 2022. 

“These replica firearms (95 replica rifles and 92 replica pistols) are not capable of firing any live munitions. They are for training purposes and weigh about the same weight of real rifles and pistols. There are 60 pieces of x plastic rifles and 150 pieces of plastic pistol training aid received by RSIPF donated by PRC,” Commissioner Mangau explained.

He said the truth remains that the consignment are imitation firearms from China for Training Purposes. 

“These replicas were not smuggled or concealed and were cleared as per Process.”

“Solomon Island is a sovereign country and when it comes to security we must be sensitive about police capabilities.”

“There is nothing to conceal or hide regarding these replica guns.”

“These things do not in any way threaten the security of this country so far, except they are as good as helping RSIPF in building its tactical knowledge and capabilities,” Commissioner Mangau added.

 A statement from the Police Media Unit says, RSIPF officers have been using the replica guns for training purposes since their arrival.

It says it is important that facts are verified and would be helpful if the opposition leader can bring in the mentioned senior police officer for discussion and establish facts.

ENDS///

Police Media