Online Reporter
Miriam Tose Majome, Correspondent
One sunny afternoon on 21 January 2013, a deadly explosion ripped through the bustling high-density suburb of Zengeza in Chitungwiza. Police later confirmed that it was an anti-tank landmine that had detonated at a traditional healer’s house.
Five people were killed instantly and many others were injured as surrounding houses were reduced to rubble by the ferocious blast. In sheer disbelief and terror, many superstitious residents swore it was a witchcraft and lightning ritual gone wrong.
That tragedy is a stark reminder of why it remains important to revisit what the law says about the possession and use of firearms and ammunition — especially as more people acquire guns, both legally and illegally.
Zimbabwe’s firearms and ammunition laws are strict and, until now, have helped keep violent crimes involving guns at relatively low levels. Most lawful gun owners comply with the law, yet some firearms still end up in the wrong hands, with devastating consequences.
The Firearms Control Act (Chapter 10:09) governs firearms and ammunition in Zimbabwe. A firearm is defined as any lethal barrelled weapon from which a shot, bullet or other missile can be discharged, or adapted for that purpose.
Ammunition includes explosives such as grenades and bombs, as well as missiles like bullets.
More people than ever before are now carrying firearms, many of them acquired illegally. The increase is unsettling and reflected in the rise in armed robberies. Illegal firearms have always been a problem in this country, but the situation is worsening and demands close attention.
Possession and use of firearms must be tightly controlled. Without regulation, communities would quickly become unliveable and ungovernable. Images of gun-wielding rebels roaming urban streets do not belong in any peace-loving society.
Around the world, gun ownership is closely tied to political power. In the United States, for example, the gun lobby remains one of the most powerful interest groups. Despite repeated mass shootings and widespread public debate, attempts at stricter gun control continue to face fierce resistance. Even recent reforms remain limited, showing how deeply embedded gun politics is in that society.
History also teaches us how profoundly firearms shape power and politics. The Maxim gun, invented in 1883, played a decisive role in British imperial conquest. It was first used in this region during the 1893 First Matabele War at the Battle of Pupu near the Shangani River.
About 700 British soldiers reportedly fought off some 5,000 Ndebele warriors using just a handful of Maxim guns. Thousands of Ndebele were killed, while only a few British soldiers died.
The chilling confidence captured in Hilaire Belloc’s famous words still rings true: “Whatever happens, we have the Maxim gun and they have not.” Guns have always shifted the balance of power, which is why controlling them is essential.
Firearms may be used by civilians for limited lawful purposes such as protection of property, personal security, self-defence, hunting, sport and other approved uses. Showing off, intimidating others, or impressing friends and lovers are not valid reasons for owning a gun.
A firearms licence is not permission to use a weapon anytime or anywhere. No person may buy, acquire or possess a firearm or ammunition without a valid firearms certificate. Unauthorised possession or use is a serious criminal offence that attracts lengthy prison sentences.
Applications for firearms certificates are made through the police to the Controller of Firearms. Licences may be issued for periods ranging from three to 10 years and are renewable.
Each applicant is thoroughly vetted. They must show a good reason for needing a firearm. Farmers, security guards and businesspeople who regularly carry cash may qualify, as may victims of persistent crime, but all remain subject to strict scrutiny.
The Controller must be satisfied that the applicant can possess and use a firearm responsibly without endangering public safety.
Licences cannot be granted to prohibited persons, including those with violent criminal records, persons of unsound mind, or those of intemperate habits. Guns should not be placed in the hands of short-tempered or reckless individuals.
A firearm must only be used for the purpose for which it is licensed. A weapon issued for protection of cash in transit, for example, cannot lawfully be used to guard property or for any criminal purpose.
Firearms must be stored in approved secure holds or cabinets as prescribed by regulations. Licences are required to inform the Controller of any change of address or if the firearm is permanently moved from where it is ordinarily kept.
Licences may be withdrawn if conditions are breached or if it emerges that false information was used to obtain them. Any person who acquires a firearm through deception commits a criminal offence.
Ultimately, the law recognises that whoever holds a gun holds power. That power must be regulated in the interests of citizens’ safety, peace and order. The lesson from history, from international experience, and from our own tragedies is clear: firearms must never be left to chance or superstition. They must remain firmly under the control of the law.
*Miriam Tose Majome is a lawyer and can be contacted on [email protected]
