Mako Jera
The police have issued a stern warning to individuals in possession of unlicensed firearms or ammunition, urging them to surrender these items or face potential searches and inspections at both residential and business premises suspected of harboring illegal weapons.
This call comes as part of a new firearms amnesty declared by His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa, which is set to run until the end of the month. During this period, anyone holding unlicensed firearms or ammunition can hand them over to any police station without fear of prosecution. The amnesty aims to remove illegal weapons from circulation, thereby enhancing public safety.
This initiative follows a similar amnesty granted two years ago under Article 12 of the SADC Protocol on the control of firearms, ammunition, and related materials. That effort resulted in 580 firearms being surrendered, including weapons left by deceased relatives, outdated and unlicensed firearms, and even those smuggled into the country or found as souvenirs.
In a recent statement, National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi, emphasized the importance of the current amnesty. He encouraged those with unlicensed firearms to turn them in at the nearest police station, noting that the campaign seeks to reduce the number of illegal weapons in circulation and diminish the risk of firearm-related crimes.
Licensed firearm holders are also advised to visit their local police stations to update their records and licences. Commissioner Nyathi warned that after the amnesty period ends, police will conduct searches to locate and confiscate any remaining illegal firearms.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police informs the public that the 2024 Firearms Amnesty on voluntary surrender of firearms and ammunition is currently underway, from September 1, 2024, to September 30, 2024,” said Commissioner Nyathi. He further noted that the misuse of firearms in violation of the Firearms Act has become a concern, and that some licensed holders have failed to renew their firearm certificates or notify authorities of changes in their residential or business addresses, hindering proper checks by the police.
He also urged the public to surrender firearms that fall into specific categories, including those held by closed companies, farmers, miners, hunters, and individuals who no longer require the weapons. Firearms left by deceased licence holders and those obtained through illegal means must also be turned over to the state for destruction or registration.
Commissioner Nyathi further advised that gun dealers, gun clubs, and security companies holding unclaimed or redundant firearms are similarly encouraged to surrender these weapons to the state for destruction.
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