Online Reporter
Online Reporter
PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA has granted a national firearm amnesty, allowing Zimbabweans to voluntarily surrender unlicensed or illegally acquired firearms, ammunition, and related materials to police stations across the country without facing prosecution.
The amnesty, running from September 24 to October 24, 2025, is in line with the SADC Protocol on Firearms Control and aims to curb the misuse of weapons.
Illegal possession of firearms has been linked to rising cases of armed robbery, murder and other crimes.
In a statement, the police said investigations revealed that many firearms remained in circulation due to company closures, inactive gun clubs and failure to hand over weapons after the death of licensed holders.
In some cases, gun dealers and clubs have been keeping unclaimed firearms in violation of the law.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police also noted that some licensed owners have neglected to renew their certificates, update records or properly secure their firearms, leading to theft and misuse.
The amnesty applies to individuals and institutions in possession of smuggled or illegally acquired weapons.
Those who comply will not be prosecuted and will receive an official safe custody receipt.
After the deadline, the police will conduct verification checks and take action against anyone still holding illegal weapons.
All licensed firearm owners are urged to update their records at local stations in compliance with the Firearms Act, Chapter 10:09.
