Psychological tests for prospective firearm holders

Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter

ZIMBABWEANS seeking to own firearms will now have to undergo psychological examinations before being issued with a license, Cabinet has said.

Cabinet received a presentation from the Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Honourable Kazembe Kazembe, on Principles to amend and strengthen the Firearms Act (Chapter 10:09) which was approved.

In Post Cabinet Briefing, the Minister of Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services Dr Jenfan Muswere said the amendments seek to regulate the registration and licensing of firearms, and the establishment of a firearms database and registry.

“The Amendment Bill will make provision for the classification of firearms certificates to differentiate those issued to individuals and juristic persons. The amendments will also seek, among other things to introduce psychological and training tests before one is issued with a firearm certificate; place an age restriction on the possession of firearms and regulate the number of firearms individuals per person,” he said

Furthermore, Dr Muswere said the new regulations will provide for the profiling of all firearms for purposes of easy identification and tracing thereof; and also specify the penalties for firearm offences, including the failure to properly secure firearms.

@NyembeziMu