By Naledi Nyoni
HARARE —President Emmerson Mnangagwa has granted a national firearms amnesty allowing individuals and institutions to surrender unlicensed and illegally acquired guns without prosecution.
Police have warned that physical checks and verification exercises targeting suspected illegal firearm holders will be conducted after the amnesty deadline expires.
The amnesty, announced by police on Monday, runs from October 12 to November 12, 2026, giving people a month to surrender firearms and ammunition at their nearest police station.
National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi in a Monday statement said the amnesty was granted in line with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Firearms Control, ammunition and other related materials.
“The amnesty allows individuals and institutions to voluntarily surrender unlicensed, smuggled or illegally acquired firearms and ammunition at their nearest police station, without being questioned,” Nyathi said.
Those who surrender their weapons during the amnesty will not face prosecution and will receive official safe custody receipts, according to police.
However, the Zimbabwe Republic Police warned that the exercise would be followed by physical checks targeting people suspected of retaining illegal firearms.
“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 police said the initiative comes amid concerns over licensed gun holders failing to renew their certificates or update their records, as well as cases of firearms being improperly secured and subsequently stolen or misused.
“This has contributed to various crimes, which include armed robbery, murder and other cases,” Nyathi said.
Investigations have also revealed that some people continue to hold firearms despite changes in their circumstances, including company closures, inactive gun club membership and the deaths of licensed firearm holders.
Police further raised concerns over licensed gun dealers and clubs retaining unclaimed firearms handed to them for safekeeping, warning that the practice violates the Firearms Act, Chapter 10:09.
“All licensed firearm owners are urged to immediately update their records at local police stations in compliance with the Firearms Act, Chapter 10:09,” Nyathi said.
The police urged Zimbabweans to use the amnesty to regularise firearm possession and ownership, while licensed owners were reminded to ensure their records remained up to date.
People seeking guidance on surrender arrangements can contact their nearest police station, the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631, or WhatsApp 0712 800 197.
