By Delicious Mathuthu
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) illegal guns amnesty will today, 25 October 2023, come to an end. The amnesty, which was dubbed the “Firearms Amnesty” called for the surrender of all illegally owned guns to the police without any questions or reprimand for a fortnight, beginning October 13, 2023. The amnesty, which was national, came inline with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Security Protocols on Control of Firearms. In a statement, ZRP said no one will be arrested during this period for surrendering illegally owned guns and ammunition. “This is a period where all persons who have firearms, ammunition and other related matters, without licenses or certificates are allowed to surrender them to the police without being charged for the illegal possession. “The amnesty period is being observed in the whole country and SADC region in line with SADC Security Protocols on Control of Firearms. “It is observed that some firearms are acquired legally but due to changed circumstances, the ownership or possession becomes illegal in terms of the law,” Midlands Police Provincial Community Relations Liaison Officer,
Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said. Informing the public on the different circumstances that lead to illegal possession of guns, Inspector Mahoko said there are some companies which closed but their representatives kept holding on to the firearms which they were using. He said there are also members of gun clubs who are no longer active but remain with the guns. He also said there are farmers, hunters and individuals who are no longer in the same position or area they were in when they applied for firearms certificates.
Inspector Mahoko further said some firearm license holders are no longer renewing their certificates, which is illegal. Gun smuggling, unclaimed guns at gun dealers or gun clubs surrendered for safe keeping are some of the circumstances. The amnesty is part of police efforts to account for all firearms in the country and end crimes like armed robberies within communities. Inspector Mahoko said members of the public that wished to surrender firearms falling in the categories were free to approach any Police Station country.
“Persons surrendering the firearms will be issued what is called a safe custody receipt/issue voucher as proof that they have surrendered. Inspector Mahoko said: “Having a firearm without a licence or certificate is an offence… those who qualify to possess firearms will be assisted to regularise the ownership to be official,” Inspector Mahoko said.
Kwedu Classics
Your story our story
