Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has granted a national firearms amnesty to all members of the public, who are in possession of unregistered firearms and ammunition, to voluntarily surrender them to the Zimbabwe Republic Police by October 24 and face no criminal charge.
This comes as cases of abuse of firearms, often unregistered, have been on the rise, with unlicenced owners committing heinous crimes such as murder.
To combat the scourge, the President granted the amnesty in line with Article 12 of the SADC Protocol on the control of firearms, ammunition and related materials.
In a statement, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said those holding firearms should surrender them at their nearest stations between September 24 and October 24, with no criminal charges against them.
“His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, has granted a national firearms amnesty in line with the SADC Protocol on Firearms Control, ammunition and other related materials, allowing members of the public to voluntarily surrender unlicensed firearms and ammunition to their nearest police stations without being questioned from September 24, 2025, to October 24, 2025.
“This amnesty follows observed trends of firearms misuse linked to unlicenced and unauthorised possession. Investigations reveal that some individuals continue to hold firearms despite changes in circumstances such as company closures, inactive gun club membership or the passing on of licensed firearm holders.
“This has contributed to various crimes, which include armed robbery, murder and other cases,” he said.
He said they had also observed that some licensed firearm holders are not renewing their certificates or updating their records, while others are improperly securing their firearms, leading to theft and misuse.
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.
“The amnesty also applies to individuals and institutions in possession of smuggled or illegally acquired firearms. Those who comply will not face prosecution and will receive an official safe custody receipt. The Zimbabwe Republic Police will conduct physical checks and verifications on persons suspected of keeping illegal firearms after the deadline of 24th October 2025.
“All licensed firearm owners are urged to update their records at local police stations in compliance with the Firearms Act, Chapter 10:09. The Police therefore urge Zimbabweans to take advantage of this firearm amnesty and regularise firearms possession and ownership,” Comm Nyathi said.
