Police Destroy 5,000 Illicit Firearms

By Cindy Mulomba

The Zambia Police Service has destroyed 5,000 illicit firearms, up from 3,000 recorded last year, as Government steps up efforts to curb illegal weapons and enhance public safety.

Speaking during the destruction exercise, Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister CLEMENT ANDELEKI said the exercise also provides practical lessons to police officers and recruits on preventing firearm-related crimes.

Dr. ANDELEKI disclosed that between September 2025 and July 2026, the Police recorded 171 firearm-related cases, resulting in 45 arrests.

He said the firearms amnesty campaign also contributes to Zambia’s commitment to the African Union’s Silencing the Guns initiative, which aims to end gun violence on the continent by 2030.

Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police GRAPHEL MUSAMBA said 117 of the recorded cases involved 48 murders, 21 aggravated robberies and 20 attempted murders.

Mr. MUSAMBA said the figures highlight the dangers posed by illicit firearms and the importance of keeping them out of the wrong hands.

And Firearms Amnesty Committee Chairperson LAZARUS SULO said members of the public had been encouraged to voluntarily surrender illegal firearms and ammunition at their nearest police stations.

Mr. SULO said individuals who surrendered firearms were offered 1,100 Kwacha for each weapon, while public awareness campaigns were conducted through media engagements and community roadshows.

Meanwhile, Police Training College Commissioner RAE HAMOONGA said the exercise supports national and continental efforts to promote peace, strengthen security and protect human life by reducing the proliferation of illegal small arms and light weapons.