By a Correspondent
Police have given people holding illegal firearms in Zimbabwe until November 12 to surrender their weapons without prosecution, warning that physical inspections targeting suspected illegal gun holders will begin the following day.
The amnesty, which started on October 12, covers unlicensed, smuggled or illegally acquired firearms and ammunition. Those surrendering weapons can do so at their nearest police station without being questioned, police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said in a statement issued on October 19.
Nyathi said the exercise was aimed at addressing the continued circulation of illegal firearms and improving accountability among licensed gun owners.
Police raised concern over licensed firearm holders who fail to renew their certificates or update their records, as well as those who do not properly secure their weapons, increasing the risk of theft and misuse.
“This has contributed to various crimes, which include armed robbery, murder and other cases,” Nyathi said.
The police also warned licensed firearm dealers and gun clubs against retaining unclaimed weapons handed over to them for safekeeping, saying the practice contravenes the Firearms Act, Chapter 10:09.
Investigations have also established that some firearms remain in circulation following changes in ownership circumstances, including company closures, inactive gun club memberships and the deaths of licensed firearm owners.
Licensed firearm holders have been urged to update their records at their nearest police stations to ensure compliance with the law.
Those who surrender illegal firearms during the amnesty will not face prosecution and will receive an official safe-custody receipt, according to police.
However, the amnesty deadline expires on November 12, with physical inspections and verification exercises targeting suspected illegal firearm holders set to begin on November 13.
