ZRP Arrests Over 2 000 in Crackdown on Illegal Fir...

ZRP Arrests Over 2 000 in Crackdown on Illegal Firearms, Dangerous Weapons

Zim Now Writer

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has confirmed the arrest of more than 2,100 suspects in a nationwide crackdown targeting illegal firearms, misuse of toy guns, and possession of dangerous weapons.

In a statement issued on 10 September 2025, the police said the operation, code-named “No to Illegal Firearms, Misuse of Toy Guns, and Dangerous Weapons,” began on 27 August 2025 and has already netted 2,132 suspects.

“From 27th August 2025 to date, the Zimbabwe Republic Police arrested 2,132 suspects for having unlicensed firearms, failure to renew firearm certificates, misuse of toy guns, and unlawful possession of other dangerous weapons,” the statement read.

The ZRP revealed that a wide range of weapons had been seized during the blitz.

“The police recovered 60 unlicensed firearms, 305 firearms with expired firearm certificates, 96 firearms for other firearm-related offenses, 258 misused toy guns, and 2,967 other dangerous weapons,” the police said.

Authorities also confirmed that 604 arrests had been made “for selling and possession of prohibited skin lightening products.”

The ZRP urged citizens to take extra precautions in securing firearms and following legal procedures.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police urges 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),” the statement said.

The police also encouraged the public to prepare for an upcoming national amnesty on unregistered weapons.

“Meanwhile, the Police implore 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,” the statement added.