Staff Reporter
The Zimbabwe Republic Police, Midlands Province has offered what is termed a Firearms Amnesty period to run from 13 to 25 October 2023.
This is a period where all persons who have firearms, ammunition and other related matters, without licenses or certificates are allowed to surrender them to the Police without being charged for the illegal possession.
Midlands Police Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said the amnesty period is being observed in the whole country and SADC region in line with SADC Security Protocols on Control of Firearms.
“It is observed that some firearms are acquired legally but due to changed circumstances, the ownership or possession becomes illegal in terms of the law. Examples of changed circumstances or situations are where companies which closed but representatives kept on holing onto the firearms or members of a gun club who are no longer active.
Farmers, hunters and individuals who are no longer in the same position they were when they applied for Firearms Certificates. Firearm license holders who are no longer renewing their firearm certificates. People with unregistered firearms that have fallen into their hands through illegal means such as smuggling.
Gun dealers or gun clubs with unclaimed firearms that were surrendered to them for safe keeping for a long time,” he said.
Mahoko said it is a regional amnesty month for all unauthorised firearm holders to surrender firearms and ammunition.
He said the move is also meant to safeguard residents from prowling armed robbers.
“Also, as armed robberies happen in communities residents fear falling victims to crimes where firearms are used. It is thus important to have all firearms accounted for. All Police Stations in the province are involved, hence members of the public wishing to surrender firearms falling in this category are free to approach any Police Station. No one will be arrested during this period,” he said.
Mahoko said persons surrendering the firearms will be issued what is called a safe custody receipt/issue voucher as proof that they have surrendered.
He said no one will be arrested during he amnesty.
“Having a firearm without a licence or certificate is an offence but for this period, no one will be charged for the offence as long as you are in the process of surrendering it to a Police Station.
May the public be informed that those who qualify to possess firearms will be assisted to regularise the ownership to be official, he said.
