admin- Olive branch extended for those in possession of unlicensed firearms
Talent Gore
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has granted amnesty to anyone in possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, who voluntarily surrender them to the police by September 30.
The amnesty is in line with Article 12 of SADC Protocol on the control of firearms, ammunition and related materials.
National police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said no criminal charges will be preferred against people who hand in firearms, and ammunition, during this period.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has noted that some members of the public are holding onto or are in possession of firearms and ammunition yet some are not licensed or authorised to be in possession of such weapons,” he said.
“There are some licensed gun dealers and clubs, who are holding onto unclaimed firearms which were surrendered to them for safe keeping, and these have not been taken by owners for a number of years.
“The President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, has granted amnesty to all members of the public, who are in possession of firearms and ammunition, falling under the categories listed above to voluntarily surrender them to the Zimbabwe Republic Police from 8th August to 30th September 2022.”
Ass Comm Nyathi said the use of unregistered guns had led to the current abuse of firearms in the country in clear violation of provisions of the Firearms Act, Chapter 10:09.
“Checks and records have revealed that some companies have closed yet their representatives are still holding onto firearms,” he said. Some members of licensed gun clubs are no longer active while some farmers, hunters and individuals are no longer in the same position that they were when they applied for firearm licences.
“On the other hand, relatives of late firearm licence holders are still holding onto firearms, with some of them being used to commit various crimes, which include armed robbery.”
Ass Comm Nyathi added the firearms should be surrendered to any nearest police station with the volunteer being given an official safe custody receipt to confirm that the weapon has indeed been taken by the local police station.
“No criminal charges will be preferred against members of the public during this period, as long as one complies with the provisions of the Presidential Amnesty.
“The amnesty also covers anyone in possession of any weapon which was smuggled or illegally brought into the country,” he said.
He urged all licensed firearm owners to visit their local police stations and update their records in compliance with the Firearms Act, Chapter 10:09.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter