Mnangagwa grants firearms amnesty as police warn of nationwide crackdown

Seized illegal firearms

HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has granted a one-month amnesty allowing Zimbabweans to surrender illegal firearms without facing prosecution, with police warning they will launch verification exercises targeting suspected illegal gun owners when the grace period expires.

The amnesty, which runs from October 12 to November 12, allows individuals and institutions to voluntarily hand over unlicensed, smuggled or illegally acquired firearms and ammunition at their nearest police stations without being questioned.

In a statement Monday, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the amnesty was introduced amid growing concerns over the misuse of firearms, including weapons legally acquired but improperly secured or retained after their owners died.

Police said some licensed gun owners were failing to renew their certificates or update ownership records, while others were keeping firearms in conditions that exposed them to theft.

Authorities linked the lapses to crimes including armed robbery and murder, although they did not provide figures showing the extent of the problem.

Investigations had also uncovered cases in which firearms remained in private possession following company closures, the termination of gun club memberships and the deaths of licensed owners.

Police accused some licensed firearms dealers and gun clubs of illegally retaining unclaimed weapons that had been surrendered to them for safekeeping, in violation of the Firearms Act.

“All licensed firearm owners are urged to immediately update their records at local police stations in compliance with the Firearms Act,” Nyathi said.

He said those voluntarily surrendering illegal firearms during the amnesty would not face prosecution and would receive official safe custody receipts.

However, police warned that enforcement operations would follow the expiry of the amnesty.

“After the amnesty period expires, the Zimbabwe Republic Police will conduct physical checks and verification exercises targeting persons suspected of retaining illegal firearms,” Nyathi said.

The amnesty is being implemented in line with the Southern African Development Community’s Protocol on the Control of Firearms, Ammunition and Other Related Materials.

Police urged anyone seeking clarification on surrender procedures to contact their nearest police station, the national complaints desk on (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp number 0712 800 197.