ZRP URGES ILLEGAL FIREARM HOLDERS TO SURRENDER WEAPONS

By SBT | Crime and Courts

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has urged members of the public holding unlicensed, smuggled or illegally acquired firearms and ammunition to surrender them before the Presidential Firearms Amnesty expires on 12 November 2026.

In a statement issued on Monday, police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi reminded the public that the month-long amnesty, which began on 12 October, allows individuals and institutions to voluntarily surrender illegal firearms and ammunition without prosecution. The amnesty was granted by President Emmerson Mnangagwa as part of efforts to improve firearm management and address violations of the Firearms Act, Chapter 10:09.

Commissioner Nyathi said police had raised concerns over poor firearm management and non-compliance with the law, including cases involving licensed firearm holders who had failed to renew their certificates or update their records. He said inadequate security measures had also resulted in firearms being stolen and subsequently used in criminal activities. “This has contributed to various crimes, which include armed robbery, murder and other cases,” said Commissioner Nyathi.

He said investigations had also established that some individuals continued to possess firearms despite changes in their circumstances, including the closure of companies, inactive gun club memberships or the death of licensed firearm holders. The police spokesperson further raised concern over licensed gun dealers and clubs allegedly retaining unclaimed firearms that had been surrendered to them for safekeeping, contrary to the provisions of the Firearms Act.

Nyathi urged licensed firearm owners to visit their nearest police stations to update their records and ensure that their firearm certificates and other documentation comply with the law. He said people surrendering firearms under the amnesty would not face prosecution and would receive official safe custody receipts confirming the handover.

However, the police warned that the position would change after the amnesty expires on 12 November, when officers will begin physical inspections and verification exercises targeting suspected illegal firearm possession. Members of the public who need guidance on the safe surrender of firearms have been advised to contact their nearest police station, the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 or the ZRP WhatsApp number 0712 800 197.

With only days remaining before the deadline, police have appealed to firearm holders to use the amnesty period to surrender illegal weapons and bring their firearm records into compliance with the law.

Zimbabwe firearms amnesty 2026