Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
The month-long national firearms amnesty, which was granted by President Mnangagwa to all members of the public who possess unregistered firearms and ammunition, allowing them to voluntarily surrender the items to the police without facing criminal charges, ends today.
Police will soon release the number of firearms that were surrendered during the amnesty.
The directive came as cases of firearm abuse, frequently involving unregistered weapons, have been on the rise, with unlicensed owners committing violent crimes such as murder.
To combat this, the President granted the amnesty in compliance with Article 12 of the SADC Protocol on the Control of Firearms, Ammunition and Related Materials.
In a statement, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said: “The ZRP reminds the public that the Presidential Firearms Amnesty, which commenced on October 12, 2026, will end on November 12, 2026.
“Those still in possession of unlicensed, smuggled or illegally acquired firearms and ammunition are urged to take advantage of this opportunity and voluntarily surrender them at their nearest Police Station before the deadline.”
Comm Nyathi said police observed that some licensed firearm holders were failing to renew their certificates or update their records, while others were improperly securing their weapons, leading to theft and misuse.
He stated that these lapses had contributed to various offences, including armed robbery and murder.
“Investigations reveal that some individuals continue to hold on to firearms despite changes in circumstances, such as company closures, inactive gun club membership and the passing on of licensed firearm holders,” he added.
“It has been observed that licensed gun dealers and clubs also hold on to unclaimed firearms surrendered to them for safekeeping, in clear violation and contravention of the Firearms Act, Chapter 10:09.
“All licensed firearm owners are urged to immediately update their records at local police stations in compliance with the Firearms Act, Chapter 10:09.”
Commissioner Nyathi urged citizens to utilise the amnesty window to regularise firearms possession and ownership.
“Those who comply will not face prosecution and will receive an official safe custody receipt. After the amnesty period expires, the Zimbabwe Republic Police will conduct physical checks and verification exercises targeting persons suspected of retaining illegal firearms,” he warned.
The public can seek further guidance or clarity on safe surrender arrangements by visiting their nearest police station, calling the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631, or sending a WhatsApp message to 0712 800 197.
In 2022, at least 269 unregistered firearms were voluntarily surrendered to the police by members of the public countrywide during a similar amnesty.
