The Zimbabwe Republic Police has urged members of the public to surrender illegal firearms and ammunition during the 30-day presidential amnesty running from October 12 to November 12, 2026.
Police Commissioner-General, Paul Nyathi, said President Emmerson Mnangagwa had granted the national amnesty to allow individuals and institutions to voluntarily surrender unlicensed, smuggled or illegally acquired firearms without being questioned.
“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, from 12th October 2026 to 12th November 2026.
The initiative is in line with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on the Control of Firearms, Ammunition and Other Related Materials, which promotes efforts to address the proliferation and misuse of illegal weapons,” Nyathi added.
Nyathi also raised concern over licensed firearm holders who were failing to renew their certificates or update their records, warning that poor firearm management could expose communities to crime.
“The Police has observed that some licensed firearm holders are not renewing their certificates or updating their records, while others are improperly securing their firearms, leading to theft and misuse,” he said.
He said stolen and improperly secured firearms could end up in the hands of criminals and contribute to serious offences, including armed robbery and murder.
“This has contributed to various crimes, which include armed robbery, murder and other cases,” Nyathi said.
The police chief further said investigations had established that some people continued to possess firearms despite changes in circumstances that could affect their entitlement to keep them.
“Investigations reveal that some individuals continue to hold on to firearms despite changes in circumstances, such as company closures, inactive gun club membership and the passing on of licensed firearm holders,” he said.
Nyathi urged firearm owners to ensure their licences and records remained up to date and to comply with police verification requirements.
The amnesty provides members of the public with an opportunity to surrender illegal weapons at their nearest police station during the stipulated period, as authorities seek to improve firearm accountability and reduce the risks associated with the circulation of illicit weapons.
