Harare – Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has granted a national firearm amnesty allowing individuals and institutions to voluntarily surrender unlicensed, smuggled or illegally acquired firearms and ammunition without facing prosecution.

In a statement dated October 19, 2026, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said the amnesty runs from October 12 to November 12, giving people an opportunity to surrender firearms at their nearest police station.

The police said those who comply will not be prosecuted and will receive an official safe custody receipt.

The amnesty is intended to address concerns over unrenewed firearm certificates, outdated ownership records and the improper storage of guns, which police say have contributed to theft and the misuse of firearms in crimes including armed robbery and murder.

The ZRP also raised concerns about individuals retaining firearms despite changes in circumstances, such as company closures, inactive gun club memberships and the death of licensed firearm holders.

Licensed gun dealers and clubs were also warned against retaining unclaimed firearms surrendered to them for safekeeping, with the police saying such conduct violates the Firearms Act, Chapter 10:09.

All licensed firearm owners have been urged to update their records at local police stations to ensure compliance with the law.

The police said they would conduct physical checks and verification exercises targeting people suspected of retaining illegal firearms once the amnesty period expires.

The initiative, according to the statement, is in line with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Firearms Control, Ammunition and Other Related Materials.