Zimbabwe police warn against sale of fake guns

Police have issued a stern warning to businesses selling replica firearms, saying the growing availability of fake guns is contributing to an increase in robberies and other violent crimes across Zimbabwe.

The warning comes as authorities intensify efforts to combat armed robberies, which have resulted in deaths, injuries and significant financial losses in recent months.

National police spokesperson Paul Nyathi said the possession and sale of imitation firearms that closely resemble genuine weapons is unlawful and poses a serious threat to public safety.

"It is against the law to possess a fake gun and police strongly warn shops from selling the replica guns that look like real firearms," Commissioner Nyathi said.

He revealed that Government is in the process of strengthening the Firearms Act to introduce stricter controls on firearm ownership and licensing.

The proposed amendments will include mandatory training, psychological assessments for firearm applicants, age restrictions, firearm profiling and tougher penalties for firearm-related offences.

"We are concerned as police about the rise in crimes where fake guns are used to threaten victims, so it should be made clear that the sale of those guns is against the law," Nyathi said.

"Police will not hesitate to apply the arm of the law on businesses that are selling the replica firearms."

Investigations by local media in Bulawayo found that replica firearms are being sold openly at some retail outlets.

At one shop, a sales assistant reportedly told undercover journalists that a replica gun cost US$200, while pellets were being sold separately.

The assistant allegedly claimed that the firearms did not require licences and that proof of purchase would be sufficient if questioned by law enforcement authorities.

The shop owner, identified as Dereck Gudo, reportedly described the guns as non-lethal and argued that they could be used for self-defence.

"The gun looks like a real gun and is not an issue because one should be able to defend themselves against criminals or any imminent danger," he was quoted as saying.

However, he acknowledged that one customer who allegedly brandished a replica firearm in a bar later encountered legal problems after attracting the attention of police investigators.

Authorities say concerns over replica firearms have grown because victims often cannot distinguish them from genuine weapons during robberies, allowing criminals to intimidate and control targets without using real firearms.

The Government's planned amendments to the Firearms Act are expected to modernise legislation dating back to 1957.

Among the proposed reforms are the creation of a national firearms registry and database, stricter licensing categories, enhanced firearm tracking systems and requirements for owners to securely store their weapons.

The legislation will also regulate the number of firearms individuals may own and introduce new technologies to profile firearms and ammunition for investigative purposes.

The concern surrounding replica firearms was highlighted again last week when members of the public helped thwart an attempted robbery in Bulawayo's Mzilikazi suburb.

According to police reports, three suspects armed with a pellet gun allegedly targeted a local shop shortly before closing time.

The suspects reportedly forced an employee back into the premises after intercepting him outside while he was disposing of rubbish.

One of the suspects allegedly produced a pellet gun and demanded cash from those inside the shop.

However, a shop employee reportedly managed to grab the suspect from behind, disarm him and alert nearby residents.

Members of the public responded and assisted in apprehending two of the suspects before police arrived.

Law enforcement authorities say the incident demonstrates how replica firearms are increasingly being used to facilitate criminal activities and reinforce the need for tighter regulation and enforcement.

Police have urged businesses to stop selling imitation firearms and warned members of the public against purchasing or possessing such weapons, saying offenders risk prosecution under existing and forthcoming legislation.