Raymond Jaravaza, Zimpapers Reporter
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has declared a national firearm amnesty that will allow individuals and institutions to voluntarily surrender unlicensed, smuggled or illegally acquired firearms and ammunition at their nearest police station, without being questioned.
The amnesty will run from 12 October to 12 November 2026.
In a statement on Monday, Zimbabwe Republic Police national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the amnesty was introduced amid growing concerns over the misuse of firearms, including weapons legally acquired but improperly secured or retained after their owners died.
“His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, the Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, has granted a national firearm amnesty, in line with the SADC Protocol on Firearms Control, ammunition and other related materials.
“The amnesty allows individuals and institutions to voluntarily surrender unlicensed, smuggled or illegally acquired firearms and ammunition at their nearest police station, without being questioned,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
“Police have 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. This has contributed to various crimes, which include armed robbery, murder and other cases,”
Comm. Nyathi said police investigations have revealed 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.
“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,” he said.
Police have urged Zimbabweans to take advantage of the firearm amnesty 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,”
Those that require guidance or clarity on how to surrender their firearms can contact their nearest police station.
