HARARE – A recent surge in armed robberies has prompted Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa to grant a national firearm amnesty, aimed at curbing illegal possession and misuse of firearms.
The amnesty, announced by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) on 23rd September 2025, allows individuals to voluntarily surrender unlicensed firearms and ammunition without fear of prosecution from 24th September to 24th October 2025.
The police said the move aligned with the SADC Protocol on Firearms Control and follows investigations highlighting the continued illegal possession of firearms due to factors such as company closures, inactive gun club memberships, and inheritance of firearms without proper licensing.
These unregulated firearms have been linked to crimes including armed robbery and murder.
“This amnesty follows observed trends of firearms misuse linked to unlicensed and unauthorised possession.
“Investigations reveal that some individuals continue to hold firearms despite changes in circumstances, such as company closures, inactive gun club membership, or the passing on of licensed firearm holders.
“This has contributed to various crimes, which include armed robbery, murder and other cases,” the police noted.
Authorities have also noted that some licensed gun owners fail to renew their certificates or secure their firearms properly, leading to theft and misuse. Some gun dealers and clubs are also found holding unclaimed firearms in violation of the Firearms Act, Chapter 10:09.
Under the amnesty, persons who surrender firearms will receive official safe custody receipts. After the amnesty period, the police will conduct thorough checks to identify and prosecute those still in illegal possession of firearms.
Licensed firearm owners are further encouraged to update their records at police stations to remain compliant.
The police has urged all citizens to take advantage of this opportunity to regularise firearm ownership and contribute to national safety efforts.
In October 2024, a gang of six armed men carried out the Bulawayo Ecobank Heist, ambushing a cash-in-transit vehicle with pistols and AK-47 rifles and stealing approximately US$4 million.
