Source: Ticking clock: Police crack down on illegal firearms as amnesty nears end – CITEZW
Members of the public have been urged to surrender all unregistered firearms before the Presidential Gun Amnesty ends on 24 October 2025.
The amnesty, which began on 24 September, was declared in response to a rise in armed robbery cases reported across Zimbabwe. It allows citizens to hand in illegal or unregistered firearms at any police station without facing prosecution.
Addressing residents of Ward 17 in Pumula on Wednesday, a Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officer appealed for full community cooperation, saying the initiative is aimed at strengthening public safety.
“While we discuss the issues of security and safety in our community, it is important for residents to remember to heed the call for the Presidential Gun Amnesty which started last month,” she said. “During this period, everyone who has an unregistered firearm is welcome to bring it to their nearest police station and surrender it there.”
She noted that the surge in armed robberies had prompted authorities to act. “Back in the day, we hardly had armed robbery cases in our country, but they have rapidly increased and in some instances claimed lives,” she said.
The officer said firearm ownership in the country often stemmed from varied circumstances, including inherited weapons from deceased relatives, former club or business ownership, or cross-border acquisitions.
“The circumstances under which people have firearms are different,” she explained. “Some may have inherited them, others acquired them when they had businesses such as mines. People are encouraged to make use of this amnesty and surrender the guns.”
She further urged community members to report anyone suspected of illegally carrying firearms.
“It is possible that some may have information about certain people that carry guns around in public places and they are not registered. You can come to the police and provide tip-offs,” she said. “Once the provided time lapses, anyone who will be caught with an unregistered firearm will be charged accordingly.”
The police say the initiative is part of broader national efforts to curb violent crime and restore public confidence in law enforcement.
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