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Crime Reporter
The number of unregistered firearms surrendered to police has now risen to 269 as holders of guns continue to take advantage of the amnesty granted by President Mnangagwa to voluntarily surrender their guns to the police.
The amnesty ends month-end, and from then, law enforcement agents will conduct physical checks and verifications of guns and ammunition in the country amid concerns of rising crimes being committed using dangerous weapons.
Under the amnesty, those in possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, or who have these with expired licences, must surrender them without questions being asked.
In a statement, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said: “The ZRP reports that on September 4, 2022, two firearms were returned on operation ‘Firearm Amnesty’.
“The cumulative number of firearms surrendered since August 8, 2022 now stands at 269.”
Police suspect there are significant numbers of unlicensed weapons bought by businesses that have changed hands, some that were owned by people who belonged to gun clubs and have given up the sport, or were owned by dead relatives.
President Mnangagwa granted the amnesty in line with Article 12 of the SADC Protocol on the control of firearms, ammunition, and related materials.
As police continue to wage war against unruly elements that are terrorising people across the country, 114 arrests were recorded on September 4 under operation “No to Machete Gangs”.
Since January 1 this year, 37 073 arrests have been made under the operation.
A further 144 arrests were recorded under operation “No to Cross Border Crimes”.
Since January 1, 173 952 people have been nabbed under the operation.
Online Reporter