The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has expressed serious concern over the growing number of illegal firearms circulating across the country, warning that many of these weapons are being used to commit violent crimes.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, 14 May, police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the proliferation of unregistered firearms poses a significant threat to public safety.
He reminded the public that only the Controller of Firearms is authorised to regulate and issue firearm certificates. Said Commissioner Nyathi:
It has also been noted with great concern that some firearms holders are no longer renewing their firearms and certificates as well as notifying the authorities about changes in their business and residential addresses.
He warned that such breaches constitute a criminal offence under the Firearms Act (Chapter 10:09), and urged the public to avoid purchasing firearms from unauthorised dealers.
The police also addressed the issue of firearm ownership following the death of a licence holder. In such cases, family members are required to notify the police immediately and surrender the firearm to the nearest station, pending legal reallocation. Said Nyathi:
In case of the death of a firearm holder, notification should be done to the police. The firearm should be surrendered to the nearest police station pending regularisation of new firearm ownership by an eligible person. Firearms are not inherited in the same manner in which other property is done.
Members of the public have been urged to report any suspicious activity involving firearms. For assistance or to provide information, citizens are encouraged to contact the National Complaints Desk on 0242 703631, via WhatsApp at 0716 800 197, or visit their nearest police station.
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