Mental health check for firearm license holders ah...

Mental health check for firearm license holders ahead!

Psychological Assessments, for adults | Part 1 - Willingness

Oscar J Jeke

Zim Now Reporter

The Zimbabwean government has announced proposed significant amendments to the Firearms Act (Chapter 10:09), tightening the requirements for obtaining a firearms license and this will include psychological training.

The move is aimed at enhancing public safety and ensuring responsible gun ownership in the country, amid the proliferation of gun-related violence and crimes.

The Cabinet approved the amendments, proposed by the Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Kazembe Kazembe. They introduce stricter regulations on the registration and licensing of firearms, including the creation of a national firearms database and registry for better tracking and identification of firearms.

Among these are the introduction of psychological and training tests for firearm applicants. The government seeks to ensure that firearm holders are mentally fit and well trained in the use of firearms before being issued a certificate. Additionally, an age restriction will be placed on firearm ownership, and the number of firearms an individual can own will be regulated.

"The amendments will also seek, among other things, to introduce psychological and training tests before one is issued with a firearm certificate," he said.

Further measures will require the profiling of all registered firearms to facilitate easy identification and tracing. To ensure accountability, stricter penalties will be enforced for firearm offenses, including failure to properly secure weapons.

This tightening of firearms regulations is part of the government’s broader effort to address security concerns and reduce incidents of gun-related violence. By introducing these reforms, Zimbabwe aims to strengthen control over firearm ownership and enhance public safety across the country.

The amendments are expected to be tabled in Parliament in the coming weeks, with the government prioritizing the enactment of these laws as part of its ongoing national security agenda.