MPs Raise Fresh Gun Fears In Zimbabwe As Fake Firearms Enter The Debate
Zimbabwean MPs have warned of a growing gun threat in the country, raising concerns over the use of firearms in crime and claims that imitation weapons are also being used. The issue came under discussion in Parliament as lawmakers called for urgent action.
MPs Raise Concerns Over Firearms
ZiFM Stereo News reported on 21 August 2026 that MPs had raised concerns about the use of firearms in criminal activities. Some lawmakers claimed that certain weapons involved in crimes were imitations of genuine firearms.
There were also claims that firearms were being sold over the counter.
Leader of Government Business and Transport Minister Felix Mhona said authorities would respond regardless of whether the weapon involved was genuine or fake.
“The fact that it is a fake firearm, what I also appeal to the people is that whenever it is pointed at you, you never know whether it’s fake or genuine.”
Minister Felix Mhona Issues Warning
Mhona said members of the public could not be expected to immediately determine whether a weapon being pointed at them was genuine.
He warned that an object believed to be a replica could turn out to be a real firearm, creating a potentially dangerous situation.
Zimbabwe has a Firearms Act regulating the possession of genuine firearms.
Why Fake Firearms Are Also A Concern
The debate highlighted the difficulty faced by victims during confrontations involving guns. Whether a weapon is genuine or an imitation, the person facing it may have no way of knowing its true nature.
Mhona urged people to prioritise their safety when confronted with a firearm rather than attempting to establish whether it is real.
The concerns were raised as MPs called for greater attention to the reported use of firearms in crime.
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