Zimbabweans snub gun amnesty: Only 8 firearms surrendered after 13 days
Only eight firearms have been surrendered across Zimbabwe after 13 days of the ongoing firearms amnesty, according to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP). The amnesty, which began on September 1, 2024, allows the public to voluntarily hand over unregistered firearms and ammunition without facing legal consequences.
ZRP spokesperson Paul Nyathi expressed concern over the low response, especially given the increase in armed robberies throughout the country. “The police is concerned with reports of armed robberies, throughout the country, which show that unregistered firearms and ammunition are in the wrong hands,” Nyathi said in a statement Friday.
The amnesty, set to end on September 30, offers an opportunity for individuals, companies, farmers, miners, hunters, and security firms to surrender their firearms without fear of questioning or arrest. Nyathi emphasized, “We urge the public to take advantage of this opportunity to surrender firearms and ammunition voluntarily, without fear of questioning or arrest the police. The Zimbabwe Republic Police encourages companies, farmers, miners, hunters, individuals, gun dealers or gun clubs and security companies who are no longer authorized to possess firearms or ammunition to surrender them to the nearest police station.”
Licensed firearm holders are also reminded to update their records and inform authorities of any changes in their residential or business addresses. After the amnesty period ends, the ZRP plans to conduct a nationwide operation to crack down on illegal firearm possession. “After the expiry of the amnesty period, a nationwide operation will be conducted, and arrests will be made for illegal possession of firearms or ammunition,” Nyathi warned.
The ZRP is also conducting checks and verifications on properties suspected of harboring illegal weapons, urging the public to cooperate for the sake of public safety.
Kukurigo
