Police crack down on illegal firearms as amnesty nears end

Members of the public have been reminded to surrender all unregistered or illegal firearms before the Presidential Gun Amnesty ends on 24 October 2025.

The amnesty, which began on 24 September, was declared in response to a surge in armed robbery cases across Zimbabwe. It allows individuals to hand over unregistered firearms at any police station without facing criminal charges.

Addressing residents of Ward 17 in Pumula on Wednesday, a Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officer called for full community cooperation, stressing that the initiative is aimed at enhancing public safety.

"While we discuss security and safety in our community, it is important for residents to heed the call for the Presidential Gun Amnesty, which started last month," she said. "During this period, anyone in possession of an unregistered firearm is encouraged to take it to their nearest police station and surrender it."

The officer noted that authorities had been compelled to act following a sharp rise in armed robbery cases, some of which have resulted in fatalities.

"Not long ago, armed robberies were rare in our country, but we have witnessed an alarming increase in such crimes," she said.

She explained that many firearms in circulation may have been acquired under various circumstances, including inheritance from deceased relatives, previous business use, or cross-border purchases.

"The circumstances differ — some people inherited the weapons, others used them for businesses such as mining. Regardless, all are encouraged to take advantage of this amnesty period to surrender their guns," she said.

The officer also urged residents to assist police efforts by reporting anyone suspected of illegally possessing firearms.

"Some of you may know individuals who carry guns publicly without proper registration. We urge you to come forward with that information," she said. "Once the amnesty period ends, anyone found in possession of an unregistered firearm will face prosecution."

According to the ZRP, the initiative forms part of a broader national crime prevention strategy aimed at reducing violent offences and strengthening public confidence in law enforcement.