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Harmony Agere
A “small” problem is causing Police Commissioner-General Dr Augustine Chihuri headaches. It is the problem of the proliferation of small arms in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe is among countries with the lowest crime rates in the world due to its sound and restrictive gun ownership laws.
Research and recent studies show that Zimbabwe has one of the lowest number of civilian firearm owners and has successfully regulated purchase of guns since Independence in 1980.
Officials, however, worry about the increase in the number of small arms finding their way into homes and onto the streets.
A tough screening process for potential gun owners, and general unavailability of arms means this is an emerging problem – one that the police force is keen to nip in the bud.
Guns are being smuggled into Zimbabwe from neighbouring countries, fuelling armed robberies and other violent crime.
While comprehensive national statistics on illegal arms possession could not be immediately obtained from the police, Dr Chihuri and Officer Commanding Support Unit Senior Assistant Comm Dr Angeline Guvamombe speak of an increase in arms-related crimes.
In a speech read on his behalf by Comm Mekia Tanyanyiwa at the Police Support Unit 2015 end-of-year party, Dr Chihuri said cops had recovered a substantial number of illegal firearms in 2015.
“The proliferation of armed incidences in the country is a clear cause for concern. The recent shooting of two police officers in Chipinge is an example of the predatory nature of the new breed of criminals that is slowly emerging in our country,” he said.
“During the year, Support Unit managed to recover 18 rifles, 12 pistols, 254 rounds of ammunition and megamite danger explosives.”
Dr Guvamombe echoed Dr Chihuri’s remarks saying: “Armed incidences have been a cause for concern during the year under review.”
Dr Guvamombe gave breakdown of the number and types of fire arms confiscated by the Support Unit in 2015.
These included three AK rifles, six 303 rifles, two 202 rifles, three 375 rifles, one 2.2 rifle, one 458mm calibre rifle, one telescopic 308 MK2 rifle, two 22 air guns, four Noringo pistols, two Star pistols, 1 CZ pistol, 1 lama pistol, 1 Vektor pistol and 1 TARGA GT76 pistol.
Some of the confiscated firearms are used in war situations and are not only sophisticated, but also expensive. This raises questions as to how they end up in the hands of local criminals.
It is believed criminal syndicates in other Southern African countries are increasingly selling their hardware to Zimbabweans.
According to a small arms survey conducted in 178 countries in 2007, the number of guns held by civilians in Zimbabwe was around 400 000.
That was about eight years ago and there is a possibility that the number could have doubled and fears are that the effects could be dire.
Due to the constant increase in firearm owners, questions have been asked as to whether the laws are still relevant to modern challenges.
According to Section 5 of Zimbabwe’s Firearms Act (Chapter 10.09), a firearm certificate is only granted at the professional discretion of the controller of firearms.
“The firearm certificate shall be granted by the controller if he is satisfied that the applicant has a good reason for purchasing, acquiring or having in his possession the firearm or ammunition in respect of which the application is made, and can be permitted to have in his possession that firearm or ammunition without danger to the public safety or to the peace,” reads the Act.
“Provided that a firearm certificate shall not be granted to a person whom the controller has reason to believe to be prohibited by or under this Act from possessing a firearm or to be of intemperate habits or unsound mind or to be for any reason unfitted to be entrusted with such firearm.
“A firearm certificate granted under this section shall be in the prescribed form and shall specify the conditions, if any, subject to which it is held, the nature and the number of the firearm to which it relates, and, as respects ammunition, the quantities authorised to be purchased and to be held at any one time there under.
“One certificate may be issued for both a firearm and the ammunition for such firearm, but a separate firearm certificate shall be required for each firearm.”
Online Reporter