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Restriction of Offensive Weapons Act

LAWS OF THE REPUBLIC OF VANUATU
CONSOLIDATED EDITION 2006

Commencement: 23 September 1969

CHAPTER 54
RESTRICTION OF OFFENSIVE WEAPONS

JR 3 of 1969

ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS

1. Interpretation
2. Prohibition of the carrying of offensive weapons
3. Prohibition of the supply of offensive weapons
4. Prohibition on the import of offensive weapons
5. Confiscation

RESTRICTION OF OFFENSIVE WEAPONS

To control the use and supply of offensive weapons.

1. Interpretation

For the purposes of this Act, the following expressions shall have the meanings respectively assigned to them –

"flick knife" means any knife which has a blade which opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in or attached to the handle of the knife;

"gravity knife" means any knife which has a blade which is released from the handle or sheath thereof by the force of gravity or the application of centrifugal force and which, when released, is locked in place by means of a button, spring, lever or other device;

"knuckle-duster" means any solid contraption designed or adapted to be gripped in the fist and equipped with any projection or flat striking surface peculiarly adapted for causing injury to the person:

Provided that the said expression shall not include any ring which is a bona fide signet or marriage ring or to any ring the projection of which consists of a precious or semi-precious stone or stones or other ornamental object;

"offensive weapon" means any flick knife, gravity knife and knuckle-duster;

"public place" means any highway and any other premises or place to which at the material time the public have or are permitted to have access whether on payment or otherwise.

2. Prohibition of the carrying of offensive weapons

Any person who without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, the proof whereof shall lie on him, has with him in any public place any offensive weapon shall be guilty of an offence and on conviction thereof shall be liable to a fine not exceeding VT 50,000, or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 1 year, or to both such fine and imprisonment.

3. Prohibition of the supply of offensive weapons

Any person who manufactures, sells or hires or offers for sale or hire or exposes or has in his possession for the purpose of sale or hire or lends or gives to any other person an offensive weapon shall be guilty of an offence and on conviction thereof shall be liable to a fine not exceeding VT 100,000, or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 2 years, or to both such fine and imprisonment.

4. Prohibition on the import of offensive weapons

Any person who imports into Vanuatu any offensive weapon shall be guilty of an offence and on conviction thereof shall be liable to a fine not exceeding VT 100,000, or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 2 years, or to both such fine and imprisonment.

5. Confiscation

Where any person is convicted of an offence against sections 2, 3 or 4 the court may make an order for the confiscation of any weapon in respect of which the offence was committed.