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Crime Reporter
Eight firearms have been surrendered to the police so far after members of the public with unregistered firearms and ammunition were recently granted an amnesty to voluntarily surrender them by September 30 without facing criminal charges.
This comes as cases of abuse of firearms, often unregistered, have been on the rise, with the owners committing heinous crimes such as murder.
To combat the scourge, President Mnangagwa granted an amnesty in line with Article 12 of the SADC Protocol on the control of firearms, ammunition, and related materials.
A total of 580 unregistered firearms were handed over during the first amnesty.
In a statement, national police spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi said those holding firearms should surrender them at the nearest police station.
“Reference is made to the Zimbabwe Republic Police press statement released on the 2nd of September 2024 regarding the 2024 Firearms Amnesty on Voluntary Surrender of Firearms and Ammunition by the public.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reminds the public that the amnesty period, which began on September 1, will end on September 30, 2024,” he said.
“To date, eight firearms have been surrendered to the police.”
Commissioner Nyathi said the police is concerned with reports of armed robberies from across the country.
“We urge members of the public to take advantage of this opportunity to surrender firearms and ammunition voluntarily, without fear of being questioned or arrested by the police. The firearms are most likely being used to commit criminal acts.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police encourages companies, farmers, miners, hunters, individuals, gun dealers or gun clubs and security companies who are no longer authorised to possess firearms or ammunition to surrender them at the nearest police station.”
He said the ZRP will continue to conduct physical checks on all premises suspected to be harbouring illegal firearms.
“Members of the public are warned that after the expiry of the amnesty period, a nationwide operation will be conducted and arrests will be made for illegal possession of firearms or ammunition,” he said.
He said the police have also observed that some licensed firearm holders are no longer renewing their firearm certificates or notifying authorities about the change in their residential or business addresses to enable the police to conduct constant checks on the status of their firearms.
Online Reporter