Peter Matika, [email protected]
POLICE in Bulawayo have intensified efforts to combat armed robberies, with 22 officers receiving elite training to operate newly acquired rifles as the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) strengthens its capacity to respond to serious crimes.
The training follows the acquisition of advanced firearms and other security equipment as part of a national police modernisation programme aimed at improving operational effectiveness and protecting lives and property.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the acquisition of modern equipment was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the force’s ability to respond to evolving criminal threats.
“This is a national project that will oversee a reduction in crime, especially during the festive season,” he said.
Comm Nyathi said the modernisation programme was intended to ensure that officers had the equipment, skills and technological support needed to prevent crime, apprehend offenders and improve public safety.
“The acquisition of modern equipment, including advanced firearms and technology, is part of the ongoing efforts by the Zimbabwe Republic Police to enhance our operational capacity and effectively discharge our mandate of protecting life and property,” he said.
Comm Nyathi said armed robberies remained a serious concern because of the danger posed to people, businesses and the wider economy, particularly when criminals used firearms to target cash, valuable minerals, commercial premises and mining operations.
“The use of firearms by criminals raises the risk of fatal confrontations, particularly where robbers target cash, valuable minerals, businesses and other high-value assets,” he said.
Police efforts to curb the crime include investigations, arrests, intelligence-led operations and public appeals for information. Comm Nyathi also urged businesses and members of the public to strengthen security arrangements and report suspicious activities that could assist investigations.
The equipment upgrade comes alongside a national firearms amnesty intended to encourage the surrender of illegally held weapons and ammunition.
President Mnangagwa announced a month-long amnesty running from October 12 to November 12, 2026, allowing individuals and institutions to surrender unlicensed, smuggled or illegally acquired firearms and ammunition at their nearest police station without prosecution during the amnesty period.
Comm Nyathi said the initiative also addressed cases involving licensed firearms whose ownership records or circumstances had changed, including weapons remaining in private hands after the death of licensed owners or the closure of companies.
Under the amnesty, people surrendering firearms are expected to receive official safe-custody receipts. Police have warned that verification exercises targeting suspected illegal firearm holders will follow the expiry of the amnesty.
The exercise is being conducted in line with the Southern African Development Community Protocol on the Control of Firearms, Ammunition and Other Related Materials.
The latest initiative follows previous efforts to remove illegal weapons from circulation. During an earlier amnesty exercise reported in September 2024, police said 580 firearms were surrendered.
The police have said that strengthening operational capacity and encouraging the surrender of illegal firearms are complementary measures in efforts to reduce armed crime and improve community safety.
