The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has issued a stern warning over compliance with firearm certificate revocation procedures, amid growing concern over the abuse of licensed firearms by some holders.
In a statement yesterday, the police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the control, issuance and revocation of firearm certificates remains strictly regulated under the law and must be fully complied with once a revocation decision has been made.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has noted with concern cases of abuse of firearms by some firearm certificate holders,” Commissioner Nyathi said.
He said the authority to regulate firearms lies solely with the Controller of Firearms in terms of the Firearms Act, which also provides clear grounds under which a certificate can be withdrawn.
“The public is advised that the regulation, issuance and revocation of firearm certificates is the sole responsibility of the Controller of Firearms in terms of the Firearms Act, Chapter 10:09,” he said.
Commissioner Nyathi explained that the law empowers the Controller to revoke firearm certificates where a holder is deemed unfit to possess a firearm.
“The Act stipulates that a firearm certificate may be revoked if the Controller is satisfied that the holder is of intemperate habits or of unsound mind or is otherwise not fit to be entrusted with the firearm to which the firearm certificate relate or no longer has a good reason for possessing that firearm,” he said.
He further outlined the legal obligations that follow once a revocation notice has been issued, stressing that compliance is mandatory and time-bound.
“Once a decision to revoke a firearm has been made, the Controller will notify the firearm holder in writing. The firearm holder is required to surrender the firearm to the police within 14 days of receiving the notice,” Commissioner Nyathi said.
He warned that failure to surrender a firearm after revocation constitutes a criminal offence under the Firearms Act, adding that enforcement action will be taken against offenders.
“Failure to surrender the firearm after revocation constitutes an offence under the Act and appropriate legal action will be taken,” he said.
Commissioner Nyathi also appealed to members of the public to report any suspicious or illegal firearm-related activities to law enforcement authorities without delay.
“The public is urged to report any suspicious activities involving the use and abuse of firearms to the nearest Police Station or contact the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp on 0712 800 197,” he said.
The ZRP urged all firearm certificate holders to strictly adhere to the law and exercise maximum responsibility in the possession and use of firearms, warning that negligence or misuse poses serious risks to public safety.
The police warning comes as authorities continue to tighten enforcement of firearms regulations to curb misuse and ensure strict compliance with national security laws.
