Yesha
Senior Member
- Jan 28, 2026
- 170
- 93
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has announced a 2026 presidential firearm amnesty, allowing individuals and institutions to voluntarily surrender unlicensed or illegally acquired firearms and ammunition without facing prosecution during the amnesty period.
In a press statement dated 19 October 2026, police said President Emmerson Mnangagwa had granted the amnesty in line with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Firearms Control, Ammunition and other related materials.
The amnesty runs from 12 October to 12 November 2026. During this period, individuals and institutions can surrender firearms and ammunition at their nearest police stations without being questioned, according to the statement.
The initiative comes amid concerns over firearm ownership records, the security of licensed weapons and the continued possession of firearms following changes in the circumstances of registered owners.
Police said some licensed firearm holders were failing to renew their certificates or update their records, while others were not properly securing their weapons. These lapses, the statement said, had contributed to cases of theft and misuse of firearms, including armed robbery and murder.
Investigations have also revealed that some individuals continue to hold firearms despite circumstances such as company closures, inactive gun club membership and the death of licensed firearm holders.
The police further noted that some licensed gun dealers and clubs were retaining unclaimed firearms that had been surrendered to them for safekeeping, allegedly in violation of the Firearms Act, Chapter 10:09.
All licensed firearm owners have been urged to update their records at local police stations to ensure compliance with the law.
Police said those who comply with the amnesty requirements would not face prosecution and would receive an official safe custody receipt.
However, the police warned that once the amnesty period expires, officers will conduct physical checks and verification exercises targeting people suspected of retaining illegal firearms.
Members of the public who require clarification on the safe surrender arrangements have been advised to visit their nearest police station or contact the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 or via WhatsApp on 0712 800 197.
The statement was signed by Commissioner Paul Nyathi, Chief Staff Officer for Press and Public Relations to the Commissioner-General of Police at Police General Headquarters.
Police have urged Zimbabweans to take advantage of the amnesty to regularise firearm possession and ownership, while encouraging licensed owners to ensure their records and certificates remain up to date.
In a press statement dated 19 October 2026, police said President Emmerson Mnangagwa had granted the amnesty in line with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Firearms Control, Ammunition and other related materials.
The amnesty runs from 12 October to 12 November 2026. During this period, individuals and institutions can surrender firearms and ammunition at their nearest police stations without being questioned, according to the statement.
The initiative comes amid concerns over firearm ownership records, the security of licensed weapons and the continued possession of firearms following changes in the circumstances of registered owners.
Police said some licensed firearm holders were failing to renew their certificates or update their records, while others were not properly securing their weapons. These lapses, the statement said, had contributed to cases of theft and misuse of firearms, including armed robbery and murder.
Investigations have also revealed that some individuals continue to hold firearms despite circumstances such as company closures, inactive gun club membership and the death of licensed firearm holders.
The police further noted that some licensed gun dealers and clubs were retaining unclaimed firearms that had been surrendered to them for safekeeping, allegedly in violation of the Firearms Act, Chapter 10:09.
All licensed firearm owners have been urged to update their records at local police stations to ensure compliance with the law.
Police said those who comply with the amnesty requirements would not face prosecution and would receive an official safe custody receipt.
However, the police warned that once the amnesty period expires, officers will conduct physical checks and verification exercises targeting people suspected of retaining illegal firearms.
Members of the public who require clarification on the safe surrender arrangements have been advised to visit their nearest police station or contact the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 or via WhatsApp on 0712 800 197.
The statement was signed by Commissioner Paul Nyathi, Chief Staff Officer for Press and Public Relations to the Commissioner-General of Police at Police General Headquarters.
Police have urged Zimbabweans to take advantage of the amnesty to regularise firearm possession and ownership, while encouraging licensed owners to ensure their records and certificates remain up to date.
