By Desire Tshuma
HARARE — Zimbabweans holding illegal firearms and ammunition have been given an opportunity to surrender the weapons without prosecution, with police warning that physical inspections and verification exercises will follow the expiry of the national amnesty.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) announced on Monday that President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa had granted the amnesty to encourage the voluntary surrender of unlicensed, smuggled and illegally acquired firearms and ammunition.
In a statement issued on October 19, 2026, the police said the amnesty, granted in line with the SADC Protocol on the Control of Firearms, Ammunition and Other Related Materials, allows individuals and institutions to surrender illegal weapons at their nearest police station without being questioned.
The exercise runs from October 12 to November 2026, although the statement did not specify the exact closing date.
Police said the initiative was aimed at removing illegal firearms from circulation and curbing violent crimes, including armed robbery and murder.
The ZRP also raised concern over licensed firearm holders who have failed to renew their certificates or update their records, warning that poor firearm security and the theft of weapons could expose communities to serious risks.
Investigations have further revealed that some individuals continue to hold firearms despite changes in their circumstances, including company closures, inactive gun club memberships and the death of licensed firearm owners.
The police also flagged cases involving licensed firearm dealers and gun clubs holding unclaimed firearms surrendered to them for safekeeping, saying the practice was in violation of the Firearms Act [Chapter 10:09].
Licensed firearm owners have been urged to immediately update their records at police stations to ensure compliance with the law.
The police said those who voluntarily surrender illegal firearms during the amnesty would not face prosecution and would be issued with official safe-custody receipts.
However, the reprieve will be followed by enforcement measures, with the ZRP announcing plans to conduct physical checks and verification exercises targeting individuals suspected of retaining illegal firearms after the amnesty period.
The police urged members of the public to use the window to surrender illegal weapons and regularise firearm ownership where applicable.
Those seeking guidance on the safe surrender of firearms can contact their nearest police station, the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp on 0712 800 197.