Glaudina Man Jailed Six Months For Single Blank Cartridge Amid Firearms Amnesty

Glaudina Man Jailed Six Months For Single Blank Cartridge

A young man from Glaudina will spend the next six months in prison after being convicted for the illegal possession of a single blank cartridge. The conviction came just days before Zimbabwe launched a nationwide firearms amnesty.

Hazvinei Joseph, aged 28, was sentenced by the Harare Magistrates’ Court on 24 September 2025. According to a news bulletin from The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe, his legal troubles began over a year earlier. Police detectives arrested Joseph in Nyazura on 11 July 2024 after receiving a tip-off that he was seen with a firearm.

A search of his person revealed he was not carrying a gun but was in possession of one .38 special blank cartridge.

A blank cartridge is a type of ammunition that contains gunpowder but no projectile (bullet). When fired, it produces a sound and flash similar to live ammunition, but it cannot shoot a bullet. Despite lacking a projectile, blank cartridges are considered dangerous because they can still cause injury at close range.

The ammunition was sent for ballistic analysis. The authorities confirmed that Joseph did not hold a valid firearm certificate, leading to the charge of unlawful possession of ammunition.

A Strict Sentence Handed Down

The court showed little leniency in its ruling. Joseph was sentenced to nine months in prison. However, three months of that sentence were suspended for three years on the condition of good behaviour. This means he will serve an effective sentence of six months behind bars.

The timing of this conviction is particularly striking. It was announced on the same day the National Prosecuting Authority issued its bulletin, just as the police were preparing to announce a significant shift in policy regarding illegal weapons.

A Nationwide Amnesty Announced

In a move that contrasts sharply with Joseph’s fate, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) announced a 30-day firearms amnesty which runs from September 24 to October 24, 2025. During this window, members of the public can surrender any unlicensed firearms or ammunition at their nearest police station without facing any questions or prosecution.

National police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, explained the reason for this urgent measure. He stated,

“This amnesty follows observed trends of firearms misuse linked to unlicensed and unauthorised possession.”

Assistant Commissioner Nyathi provided further context, revealing that the problem often stems from changing circumstances rather than outright criminal intent.

“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.”

A Warning For Those Who Hesitate

The amnesty is a direct appeal to citizens to help improve community safety. The police have assured that individuals surrendering weapons will receive an official safe custody receipt as proof of their compliance. However, Assistant Commissioner Nyathi issued a clear warning to those who might ignore this opportunity for a clean slate.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police will conduct physical checks and verifications on persons suspected of keeping illegal firearms after the deadline of 24th October 2025.”

The case of Hazvinei Joseph now stands as a stark example of the potential consequences for being caught with illegal ammunition once the amnesty period concludes.

His six-month sentence for a single blank cartridge demonstrates the serious view the judiciary takes on such offences, even as the executive branch offers a temporary reprieve.

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