The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has announced the arrest of 2 132 suspects as part of its ongoing operation, ‘No to Illegal Firearms, Misuse of Toy Guns and Dangerous Weapons’.
In a press statement yesterday, ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi detailed the results of the operation, which has been running since 27th August.
According to the statement, the police have recovered a significant cache of illicit items.
The seizures include 60 unlicensed firearms, 305 firearms with expired certificates, and a further 96 firearms connected to other related offences.
Notably, the operation also targeted the misuse of imitation weapons, resulting in the confiscation of 258 toy guns.
Furthermore, 2 967 other dangerous weapons were taken off the streets.
In a related effort to uphold public health regulations, the operation also led to 604 arrests for the selling and possession of prohibited skin lightening products.
The ZRP used the statement to urge firearm owners to ensure their weapons are properly secured and to adhere to all safety regulations.
The police also issued a specific reminder to families and estate administrators, stating that upon the death of a firearm licence holder, they are legally required to surrender the firearms to the police, as stipulated in the Firearms Act (Chapter 10:09).
Looking ahead, the police indicated preparations for a Presidential Firearms Amnesty.
This initiative will allow individuals and institutions to voluntarily surrender unregistered firearms and ammunition without facing prosecution.
Commissioner Nyathi confirmed that full details of the amnesty “will be released in due course.
The comprehensive crackdown underscores the authorities’ commitment to curtailing the circulation of illegal and dangerous weapons, as well as prohibited substances, in a bid to enhance public safety and security across the nation.
A job well done indeed