Gun amnesty window still open until November 12— ZRP tells public

Zimbabweans still holding unlicensed firearms have until the 12th of November 2026 to surrender them without facing arrest or prosecution, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has reminded the public.

In a notice issued this week, ZRP national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the national firearms amnesty, which was approved by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, remains in effect and citizens should use the window to voluntarily hand in guns that are not properly registered.

“The ZRP reminds Zimbabweans that the national Firearms Amnesty which was approved by H.E President Cde Dr. E.D Mnangagwa is still valid till 12th November 2026,” he said.

“Zimbabweans or anyone in possession of unlicensed firearms, those left behind by late family members and those with companies and gun clubs which are no longer operating are urged to take advantage of the amnesty and voluntarily surrender firearms at any nearest police station.”

Police reiterated the purpose of the amnesty is not to trap people but to get illegal weapons off the streets and into safe custody. Authorities have noted that many unlicensed guns find their way into crimes such as armed robberies, domestic violence cases and poaching, and that some families only discover firearms after a death in the home and end up in legal trouble for holding them.

Observers say with the festive season approaching, the timing is critical. A reduction in the number of illegal guns in circulation is expected to help curb violent crime during a period that traditionally witnesses a spike in incidents. Security experts have also pointed out that unregistered weapons pose a long-term risk to communities because they are difficult to trace once used in a crime.

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