Mnangagwa introduces firearm amnesty

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has conceded that the deteriorating security situation in Zimbabwe has prompted an amnesty to anyone who is in illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. New Zimbabwe reports that there has been a spike in armed robberies and retired and serving soldiers and police officers have also been implicated in violent crimes. National police spokesperson Paul Nyathi said the presidential amnesty on voluntary surrender of guns was necessitated after realising some individuals were unlawfully in possession of weapons. ‘Individuals and institutions are improperly securing firearms resulting in some falling onto wrongs hands and being used to commit robbery and murder cases,’ he said. The amnesty also covers anyone in possession of smuggled or weapons illegally brought into the country.