Zimbabwe Grants Gun Amnesty, Gives Owners Until November 12 to Surrender Illegal Firearms

By Staff Reporter

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has granted a national firearm amnesty allowing individuals and institutions to surrender illegal firearms and ammunition without prosecution, with the exercise ending on November 12, 2026.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said those in possession of unlicensed, smuggled or illegally acquired firearms can voluntarily surrender them at their nearest police station during the amnesty period.

According to the police, those who surrender the weapons will not face prosecution for the illegal possession covered by the amnesty and will receive official safe custody receipts.

The exercise is being conducted in line with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Firearms Control, Ammunition and Other Related Materials.

The amnesty also comes with a warning to licensed firearm owners to ensure their certificates and ownership records are valid and up to date.

The ZRP said investigations had uncovered cases involving firearms retained after companies closed, gun club memberships became inactive or licensed firearm holders died.

Police also raised concern over the improper storage of firearms, warning that stolen weapons could end up in the hands of criminals and be used in serious offences, including armed robbery and murder.

Licensed firearm owners have been urged to update their details at their nearest police stations in accordance with the Firearms Act, Chapter 10:09.

The police also warned licensed gun dealers and clubs against retaining unclaimed firearms entrusted to them for safekeeping, saying the practice violates the law.

Following the expiry of the amnesty on November 12, police will conduct physical inspections and verification exercises targeting suspected illegal firearm holders.

The authorities have urged individuals and institutions affected by the amnesty to surrender the weapons before the deadline, after which enforcement checks are expected to begin.