MP Mushoriwa: Zimbabwe Firearms Law Reform Urgently Needed

• President Mnangagwa has declared a national firearms amnesty until November 12, 2026, for the surrender of unregistered weapons without prosecution.
• MP Mushoriwa welcomed the amnesty but called for a comprehensive review of Zimbabwe's outdated 1956 Firearms Act to address deeper issues.
• Mushoriwa highlighted concerns with current licensing procedures, cross-border firearm movement, and the need for clearer risk assessment in cases like domestic violence.
• The Xikolokolo Lobby Group questioned the effectiveness of past amnesties and urged proactive community engagement to identify illegal firearms.
• Mushoriwa emphasized strengthening police-community relations to build trust and encourage reporting of illegal gun possession.

Mushoriwa contended that authorities must critically evaluate whether continued access to firearms remains appropriate in situations involving domestic violence, credible threats, or other circumstances that could pose a risk to public safety.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has initiated a national firearms amnesty, allowing individuals to surrender unregistered weapons and ammunition to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) by November 12, 2026. This initiative offers immunity from criminal prosecution for unlawful possession during this period. While welcoming the amnesty, Member of Parliament Mushoriwa, speaking on CITE’s This Morning on Asakhe programme, expressed reservations about its ability to tackle the underlying causes of illegal firearm ownership and gun-related violence. He specifically noted that a "30-day surrender window," as he described it, would only scratch the surface of the problem.

Mushoriwa underscored the urgent need to overhaul Zimbabwe's existing firearm legislation, which dates back to 1956 and became operational in 1957. He highlighted that the current laws are significantly outdated and fail to address contemporary security challenges. These challenges include the illicit cross-border movement of firearms, deficiencies in the current licensing procedures, and inadequate oversight of some licensed gun owners. He questioned the likelihood of individuals who have used firearms in serious crimes, such as robberies and murders, voluntarily surrendering weapons that could implicate them in such activities.

The MP pointed to specific sections of the Firearms Act requiring immediate attention. He cited Section 5, which permits the refusal of a firearms certificate if possession would endanger public safety, arguing that clearer, more defined procedures are essential to guide decisions regarding the granting, refusal, or suspension of licenses. Mushoriwa suggested that if comprehensive legislative amendments are not immediately feasible, a statutory instrument should be introduced to establish explicit protocols for risk assessment, license refusal, and suspension.

Furthermore, Mushoriwa raised concerns about Section 8(16) of the Act, which currently allows an individual to possess a firearm at their residence or place of business if their spouse holds a valid firearms certificate. Mushoriwa contended that authorities must critically evaluate whether continued access to firearms remains appropriate in situations involving domestic violence, credible threats, or other circumstances that could pose a risk to public safety. This highlights a critical area where current law may inadvertently compromise safety.

The issue of porous national borders was also highlighted by Mushoriwa as a significant factor contributing to the influx of illegal firearms into Zimbabwe. He specifically mentioned neighboring countries like South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, and Zambia as potential conduits for such weapons. Beyond legislative amendments, he stressed the importance of fostering stronger relationships between communities and the police, asserting that residents must have confidence that reports of suspected illegal gun possession will be acted upon effectively.

Adding to the critique, Nothiwani Dlodlo, chief lobbyist for the Xikolokolo Lobby Group, questioned the efficacy of previous firearms amnesties. Dlodlo noted that the low number of weapons surrendered in past initiatives, particularly the "totally ignored" last amnesty, cast doubt on their success. He advocated for the government to intensify efforts to identify illegal firearms through direct community engagement and collaboration with traditional leaders, especially in rural areas. Dlodlo even suggested that authorities consider more proactive, "door-to-door" approaches to locate illegally held weapons within communities.

Lawyers and compliance officers should closely monitor the proposed reforms to Zimbabwe's Firearms Act, particularly regarding licensing, risk assessment, and conditions for refusal or suspension of certificates. These changes could significantly impact clients holding firearm licenses, those involved in security services, or individuals facing charges related to firearm possession, especially concerning domestic violence or public safety risks.

Source: Original reporting via CITE’s This Morning on Asakhe programme