The Sunday News
Nohlelo Mlilo, Sunday News Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is in the process of reviewing the firearm licensing process for individuals and companies in a bid to curb the number of illegal guns that have flooded the country and are being used for criminal activities like armed robbery.
The police are reviewing the process in terms of the Firearms Act Chapter 10:09 to minimise cases of theft and robberies.
The action has been taken because of the abuse of firearms by individuals and groups in the country, with the police revealing that some firearm owners allow their weapons to fall into the hands of criminals.
The police urged business entities, mining, farming, conservancy operators, professional hunters and security companies to approach the firearms controller for necessary licensing procedures to be followed.
“The position has been taken in view of the abuse of firearms by certain individuals and groups in the country. Investigations are currently underway to verify allegations that some firearm owners are allowing their weapons to fall into the hands of criminals with some using them to commit armed robbery and other cases.
The law will certainly take its course on such firearm owners.
“Business entities are urged to religiously adhere to the tenets of the Firearms Act and comply with all legal requirements as they engage the Central Firearm Registry,” police said in a statement.
Furthermore, the police implored that firearms belonging to the deceased should immediately be surrendered to the nearest police station or to the firearm controller.
A family member intending to inherit the firearm should submit a copy of death certificate, firearm certificate and a set of personal fingerprints for the vetting process and other security considerations.
Police said individuals should ensure that their firearms do not fall into the wrong hands.
“The Firearms Act Chapter 10:09 is very clear, it is an offence to possess a firearm or any ammunition without a firearm certificate, above all failure to renew a certificate after expiry date is an offence, observations by police indicate that failure to secure firearms by the holders is one of the factors contributing to the influx of theft and robbery, registered firearms holders should ensure that firearms are well secured at all times so that they do not fall into wrong hands.”
