President Emmerson Mnangagwa has granted a month-long amnesty allowing individuals and institutions to surrender unlicensed or illegally acquired firearms and ammunition without prosecution, police have announced.
The amnesty, runs from 12 October to 12 November 2026 and is intended to encourage people to surrender illegal weapons and regularise firearm ownership.
In a press statement dated 19 October, national police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the initiative was in line with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Firearms Control, Ammunition and other related materials.
“The amnesty allows individuals and institutions to voluntarily surrender unlicensed, smuggled or illegally acquired firearms and ammunition at their nearest police station, without being questioned,” he said.
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Commissioner Nyathi said some licensed firearm holders were failing to renew their certificates or update their records, while others were not securing their weapons properly, increasing the risk of theft and misuse.
“This has contributed to various crimes, which include armed robbery, murder and other cases,” he said.
The police also raised concerns about firearms being retained despite changes in circumstances, including company closures, inactive gun club membership and the death of licensed firearm holders.
Commissioner Nyathi said licensed gun dealers and clubs were also retaining unclaimed firearms handed to them for safekeeping, in violation of the Firearms Act, Chapter 10:09.
He urged licensed firearm owners to update their records at their nearest police stations in compliance with the law.
“Those who comply will not face prosecution and will receive an official safe custody receipt,” he said.
Commissioner Nyathi warned that once the amnesty expires, police would conduct physical checks and verification exercises targeting people suspected of retaining illegal firearms.
People seeking guidance on surrendering firearms can contact their nearest police station, the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631 or WhatsApp 0712 800 197.
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