The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has issued a stark warning to all those in possession of illegal firearms and ammunition: hand them in or face the consequences.
This comes as part of a new amnesty order, launched on 1 September, which gives individuals and institutions until 30 September to voluntarily surrender their weapons.
“Police have noted that some members of the public are holding on to or are in possession of firearms and ammunition yet some are not licensed or authorized to be in possession of such weapons. This has led to the abuse of firearms in the country in clear violation of the provisions of the Firearms Act, Chapter 10:09,” said National Police Spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
The amnesty is not just aimed at individuals. Companies that have ceased operations, farmers, miners, hunters, and individuals who are no longer in the same position they were when they applied for firearm certificates are also being urged to surrender their weapons.
“As previously done in the year 2022 and 2023, the public and relevant institutions are reminded and urged to go to nearest police stations and formally surrender all firearms,” Commissioner Nyathi stated.
The amnesty also targets individuals who have inherited firearms from deceased relatives without regularising ownership, those who have obtained unregistered firearms through smuggling, and gun dealers or gun clubs holding unclaimed firearms that were surrendered for safekeeping. Security companies holding redundant firearms that are not being surrendered to the ZRP National Armoury for destruction are also included in the amnesty.
The ZRP has made it clear that this amnesty is not a mere formality. They will be conducting physical checks and verifications on all residential and business premises where illegal firearms are suspected to be.
“In the same vein, all licensed firearm owners are implored to visit local police stations and update their records in compliance with the Firearms Act Chapter 10:09,” Commissioner Nyathi added.
The amnesty is a crucial step towards reducing the number of illegal firearms in circulation, thereby enhancing public safety and reducing the risk of firearm-related crimes.
“Some licensed firearm holders are no longer renewing their firearm certificates or notifying authorities when they change residential or business addresses to enable constant checks to be made by the police on the status of the firearms,” said Commissioner Nyathi.
