Gun violation blitz nabs 2 932 suspects

The ongoing crackdown by the police countrywide, launched a fortnight ago to curb illegal possession of firearms, dangerous weapons, and unlicensed guns has netted over 2 000 suspects.
National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the development, saying over 300 guns with expired licenses were recovered.

A week into the operation, police units had arrested over 700 suspects. The operation launched on 27 August 2025 is code-named “No to Illegal Firearms, Misuse of Toy Guns and Dangerous Weapons.”

“From 27 August 2025 to date, the Zimbabwe Republic Police arrested 2 932 suspects for having unlicensed firearms, failure to follow firearms, misuse of toy guns and unlawful possession of other dangerous weapons.

“The police recovered 80 unlicensed firearms, 395 firearms with expired firearm certificates, 86 firearms for other firearm-related offences, 258 misused toy guns and 1,967 other dangerous weapons,” said Commissioner Nyathi.

He said in an unrelated matter, 504 arrests were made for selling and possession of prohibited skin-lightening products. Commissioner Nyathi urged members of the public to properly secure firearms and adhere to firearms safety regulations.

“In the event of a firearm owner’s passing on, family members and estate administrators are required to surrender the firearms to the police, as stipulated in the Firearms Act (Chapter 10:09).
“Meanwhile, the Police implores the public to prepare for the forthcoming Presidential Firearms Amnesty, where individuals and institutions are allowed to voluntarily surrender unregistered firearms and ammunition without prosecution.”