In a major move to tackle violent crime, Zimbabwean authorities have announced a nationwide firearms amnesty, giving citizens exactly one month to hand in illegal guns without any consequences. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has granted a 30-day window, which runs from 24 September 2025 to 24 October 2025. The initiative is a direct response to a worrying increase in crimes committed with unregistered weapons.
The announcement was made by Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, the national police spokesperson, on 23 September 2025. He stated that the amnesty allows members of the public to voluntarily surrender unlicensed firearms and ammunition at their nearest police station. The key promise from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is that individuals will not be questioned or face prosecution for handing in the weapons during this period.
According to the Herald, Assistant Commissioner Nyathi explained the reasoning behind the urgent measure. He said,
“This amnesty follows observed trends of firearms misuse linked to unlicensed and unauthorised possession.”
The police have connected a significant number of serious crimes to the proliferation of illegal firearms in the community.
A Response To Rising Crime And Negligence
The decision was not made in a vacuum. Police investigations have revealed several pathways through which firearms end up in the wrong hands. Assistant Commissioner Nyathi provided detailed examples of how legal weapons become illegal problems.
He stated,
“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 have also identified negligence among current licence holders as a significant issue. Many are failing to renew their certificates or update their records with the authorities. Furthermore, improper storage of legal firearms has led to them being stolen and subsequently used in criminal activities. The amnesty is designed to plug these leaks and get these dangerously unaccounted-for weapons off the streets.
Who The Amnesty Applies To And What Happens Next
The scope of the amnesty is broad, targeting not just individual citizens but also businesses and clubs. Assistant Commissioner Nyathi confirmed that licensed gun dealers and clubs are also holding onto unclaimed firearms, which is a violation of the Firearms Act. The amnesty provides a clean slate for these institutions as well. He explicitly said,
“The amnesty also applies to individuals and institutions in possession of smuggled or illegally acquired firearms.”
For those who choose to participate, the process is straightforward. Individuals surrendering firearms will receive an official safe custody receipt from the police, confirming that the item has been handed in under the terms of the amnesty. This receipt is crucial as it serves as legal proof of compliance.
The police have issued a stark warning for those who ignore the opportunity. Assistant Commissioner Nyathi said,
“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 police are urging all licensed firearm owners to use this period to ensure their paperwork is in perfect order. Assistant Commissioner Nyathi concluded with a direct appeal to the public, stating,
“The Police therefore urges Zimbabweans to take advantage of this firearm amnesty and regularise firearms possession and ownership.”
The success of the initiative now rests on the public’s willingness to cooperate before the October deadline passes.
Follow Us on Google News for Immediate Updates
The post Zimbabwe Launches 30 Day Firearms Amnesty: Surrender All Illegal Guns By October Deadline No Questions Asked appeared first on iHarare News.
