Story by Peter Chivhima
ZIMBABWEANS have endorsed government proposals to reform the Firearms Act, paving way for effective regulations and improved public safety.
In a Post Cabinet media briefing this Tuesday, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Service, Dr Jenfan Muswere revealed the government has approved plans to amend the Firearms Act.
The proposed amendments will introduce more effective regulations regarding the registration, licensing, and tracking of firearms, including the creation of a centralised database and registry.
“We want to thank the government for the move because it helps in reducing crimes. I have witnessed more than three people being robbed here,” said a citizen.
Another added, “This is a welcome development because at times, we have a situation where people are killing or shooting each other over petty issues such as bad driving behaviour, so if one goes for mental testing before given a gun, it helps in reducing such incidents.”
The amendments include reforms to enhance regulation of firearms including mandatory psychological evaluations and training.
The amendments will also establish a minimum age limit for firearm possession, restrict the number of firearms an individual can own, and create a profiling system to facilitate easy identification and tracking of firearms.
Furthermore, the reforms will specify stringent penalties for firearm-related offenses, including failure to properly secure a firearm, thereby promoting responsible gun ownership and reducing the risk of gun violence
Security expert Mr Fidelis Maziviza said, “The amendment bill is a welcome development as far as the nation wants to fight gun related crimes. It also helps in reducing municipal crimes in the country. However, what needs to be done is for the synchronisation of our laws.”
“Those amendments are good and are necessary in curbing gun related crimes. As a country, we are witnessing an increase in armed robbery cases, where firearms are being used in the commission of the crimes. So the development which regulates the use of firearm helps in reducing such crimes. This is coming at an opportune time when we are approaching the festive holiday where such crimes increases, so this is a welcome development,” added a security expert, Dr Abel Mubango.
The amendments come a month after the Presidential Firearms Amnesty which was introduced to curb the alarming increase in gun-related deaths and armed robberies.
