Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has announced a one-month national firearm amnesty. The amnesty, granted by President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, will run from 24 September to 24 October 2025 and allows citizens to surrender unlicensed firearms and ammunition to their nearest police stations without facing prosecution.
In their statement , the ZRP said the initiative was in line with the SADC Protocol on Firearms Control and was aimed at reducing illegal firearm possession across the country. “Members of the public are encouraged to voluntarily surrender unlicensed firearms and ammunition to their nearest police stations, without being questioned,” the statement read.
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Police authorities cited an increase in crimes such as armed robbery, murder, and other violent incidents linked to unlicensed weapons. The statement noted that many individuals continue to hold on to firearms despite changes in their circumstances, including company closures, inactive gun club memberships, and the death of licensed holders. “This has contributed to various crimes,” ZRP said, urging citizens to comply with the exercise.
The police also expressed concern that some licensed firearm holders are not renewing their certificates or updating their records. Others, they said, were failing to properly secure their firearms, leading to thefts and misuse. “Licensed gun dealers and clubs also hold on to unclaimed firearms surrendered to them for safekeeping in clear violation and contravention of the Firearms Act, Chapter 10:09,” the ZRP warned.
The amnesty extends to individuals and institutions in possession of smuggled or illegally acquired firearms. “Those who comply will not face prosecution and will receive an official safe custody receipt,” the statement assured. The police added that physical checks and verifications will be carried out after the deadline to identify individuals who continue to keep illegal firearms.
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