Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has granted a month-long national firearms amnesty to all members of the public who possess unregistered firearms and ammunition, allowing them to voluntarily surrender the items to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) by November 12, 2026, without facing criminal charges.
The directive comes amid a rise in the abuse of firearms, frequently unregistered, 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 an official statement, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed that the 2026 Presidential amnesty on the voluntary surrender of firearms and compliance with the police verification exercise runs from October 12 to November 12, 2026.
“His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, the Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, Cde Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, has granted a national firearm amnesty, in line with the SADC Protocol on Firearms Control, ammunition and other related materials,” he said. “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, from the 12th October 2026 to 12th November 2026.”
Commissioner Nyathi noted that the police have observed that some licensed firearm holders are failing to renew their certificates or update their records, while others are improperly securing their weapons, leading to theft and misuse. He stated that these lapses have 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. 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 added.
Comm 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.
