The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) says fifteen (15) more unlicensed firearms have been surrendered by the 16th of August 2022 under the operation “Firearms Amnesty”.
On 15 August police said eight-five (85) firearms had 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 Wednesday evening, police said the cumulative number of surrendered firearms now stands at 105.
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.