By Caroline Washaya Moyo
HARARE – Zimbabweans possessing illegal firearms and ammunition have been given an opportunity to surrender the weapons without prosecution, as the Government steps up efforts to curb armed crime and strengthen public safety.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) announced on Monday that President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa had granted a national firearms amnesty running from October 12 to November 2026, allowing individuals and institutions to voluntarily surrender unlicensed, smuggled and illegally acquired firearms and ammunition.
In a statement issued on October 19, 2026, the police said the initiative was being implemented in line with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on the Control of Firearms, Ammunition and Other Related Materials.
Under the amnesty, members of the public can surrender illegal firearms and ammunition at their nearest police station without being questioned or prosecuted for voluntarily surrendering the weapons. Those who comply will receive official safe-custody receipts.
The exercise is intended to remove illegal weapons from circulation and reduce violent crimes, particularly armed robbery and murder, which continue to pose risks to communities and public security.
However, the police have warned that the amnesty will be followed by enforcement measures, including physical inspections and verification exercises targeting individuals suspected of retaining illegal firearms after the exercise ends.
The ZRP did not specify the exact closing date of the amnesty beyond indicating that it runs until November 2026.
Beyond the surrender of illegal weapons, the police have raised concern over licensed firearm holders who have failed to renew their certificates or update their records, warning that non-compliance and poor firearm security could increase the risk of weapons falling into the wrong hands.
Investigations have also revealed cases in which firearms remain in the possession of individuals despite changes in circumstances that may affect their lawful custody. These include company closures, inactive gun club memberships and the death of licensed firearm owners.
The police further flagged cases involving licensed firearm dealers and gun clubs retaining unclaimed firearms that had been surrendered to them for safekeeping, saying such practices contravene the Firearms Act [Chapter 10:09].
Licensed firearm owners have consequently been urged to visit their nearest police stations to update their records and ensure that their firearms are properly accounted for in accordance with the law.
The amnesty provides an opportunity for people holding illegal weapons to surrender them without prosecution, while those who lawfully own firearms are being encouraged to regularise their documentation and comply with the relevant legal requirements.
The planned post-amnesty inspections signal a shift towards stricter enforcement, with the police seeking to establish greater accountability over firearm ownership, custody and security.
Members of the public requiring guidance on the safe surrender of firearms have been advised to contact their nearest police station.
The ZRP has urged individuals and institutions in possession of illegal firearms and ammunition to take advantage of the amnesty before the window closes, warning that those who continue to retain illegal weapons may face enforcement action after the exercise.
