Police say eight-five (85) firearms have been handed in since President Emmerson Mnangagwa granted a presidential amnesty on voluntary surrender of firearms and ammunition on 8 August this year.
In a Twitter post on Monday evening, police urged those who voluntarily surrender firearms to also surrender the ammunition. Police said:
The ZRP reports that as on 15/08/22, the cumulative number of firearms returned since 08/08/22 under operation “Firearms Amnesty” stands at 85 firearms.
Those voluntarily surrendering firearms are reminded to also hand in the ammunition for the surrendered firearms.
On 8 August 2022, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi announced the presidential amnesty on the voluntary surrender of firearms and ammunition. He said:
… the Zimbabwe Republic Police advises the public that in line with Article 12 of SADC Protocol on the control of firearms, ammunition and related materials, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has granted an amnesty to all members of the public who are in possession of firearms and ammunition falling under the categories listed above to voluntarily surrender them to the Zimbabwe Republic Police from 8th August to 30th September 2022.
The firearms should be surrendered to any nearest Police station with the volunteer being given an official safe custody receipt to confirm that the weapon has indeed been taken over by the Police officer at the local Police station.
No criminal charges will be preferred to members of the public during this period as long as one complies with the provisions of the Presidential Amnesty.
The amnesty also covers anyone who is in possession of any weapon which was smuggled or illegally brought into the country.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police takes this opportunity to inform the public that physical checks and verifications will be conducted on all residential and business premises where illegal firearms are suspected to be.
In the same vein, all licensed firearm owners are implored to visit local Police stations and update their records in compliance with the Firearms Act Chapter 10:09.