News / National
ZRP warns gun owners over licence revocations
25 May 2026 at 12:38hrs |
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The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has warned firearm holders that authorities will not hesitate to revoke firearm certificates in cases involving abuse, irresponsible conduct or misuse of licensed weapons.
The warning comes amid growing concern over firearm-related incidents, including domestic disputes, violent crimes and accidental shootings.
ZRP spokesperson Paul Nyathi said police had noted with concern a rise in cases involving the abuse of firearms by some certificate holders.
He stressed that the regulation, issuing and revocation of firearm certificates remained the responsibility of the Controller of Firearms under the Firearms Act [Chapter 10:09].
According to Comm Nyathi, the law allows authorities to revoke a firearm certificate if the holder is considered unfit to continue possessing a weapon.
"The Act stipulates that a firearm certificate may be revoked if the Controller is satisfied that the holder is of intemperate habits or of unsound mind or is otherwise not fit to be entrusted with the firearm to which the firearm certificate relates or no longer has a good reason for possessing that firearm," he said.
Comm Nyathi said firearm holders whose licences are revoked would be notified in writing and required to surrender their weapons within 14 days.
Failure to comply with the directive constitutes an offence and may result in legal action.
He urged all firearm certificate holders to act responsibly and fully comply with the country's firearm ownership laws and regulations.
Comm Nyathi also appealed to members of the public to report suspicious activity involving the use or abuse of firearms at their nearest police station or through the National Complaints Desk.
Under Zimbabwean law, firearm ownership is tightly regulated to ensure that only responsible and suitable individuals are granted access to weapons, he said.
Prospective firearm owners undergo vetting processes and must provide valid reasons for ownership, including sport shooting, security requirements, farming activities or professional needs.
Members of the public with information relating to firearm-related offences were encouraged to alert law enforcement authorities immediately, Comm Nyathi added.
The warning comes amid growing concern over firearm-related incidents, including domestic disputes, violent crimes and accidental shootings.
ZRP spokesperson Paul Nyathi said police had noted with concern a rise in cases involving the abuse of firearms by some certificate holders.
He stressed that the regulation, issuing and revocation of firearm certificates remained the responsibility of the Controller of Firearms under the Firearms Act [Chapter 10:09].
According to Comm Nyathi, the law allows authorities to revoke a firearm certificate if the holder is considered unfit to continue possessing a weapon.
"The Act stipulates that a firearm certificate may be revoked if the Controller is satisfied that the holder is of intemperate habits or of unsound mind or is otherwise not fit to be entrusted with the firearm to which the firearm certificate relates or no longer has a good reason for possessing that firearm," he said.
Comm Nyathi said firearm holders whose licences are revoked would be notified in writing and required to surrender their weapons within 14 days.
Failure to comply with the directive constitutes an offence and may result in legal action.
He urged all firearm certificate holders to act responsibly and fully comply with the country's firearm ownership laws and regulations.
Comm Nyathi also appealed to members of the public to report suspicious activity involving the use or abuse of firearms at their nearest police station or through the National Complaints Desk.
Under Zimbabwean law, firearm ownership is tightly regulated to ensure that only responsible and suitable individuals are granted access to weapons, he said.
Prospective firearm owners undergo vetting processes and must provide valid reasons for ownership, including sport shooting, security requirements, farming activities or professional needs.
Members of the public with information relating to firearm-related offences were encouraged to alert law enforcement authorities immediately, Comm Nyathi added.
Source - The Chronicle
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