Staff Reporter

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) will descend heavily on all criminals and will not hesitate to shoot and kill all violent criminals.

Addressing mourners at a funeral parade held in Harare on Wednesday for late Hwedza Police Station officer in charge, Inspector Maxwell Hove who was shot dead last week by former detective Jaison Muvevi, Police Commissioner General (PCG) Godwin Matanga said that the Police will work extra hard to deal with all societal malcontents terrorising the peace and security of the public.

“For the avoidance of doubt, as the Zimbabwe Republic Police, we will not stand akimbo while innocent citizens, let alone police officers, are being decimated by unruly malcontents. Furthermore, as police officers, we will not hesitate to shoot to kill all perpetrators of heinous crimes such as armed robbery, which is making society apprehensive,” said PCG Matanga.

PCG Matanga added that those found in possession of unregistered fire arms will be liable for prosecution.

“Those with unregistered fire arms would be deemed to have a criminal intent and would be liable for prosecution. Consequently, police officers would not hesitate to shoot to kill all perpetrators of heinous crimes such as armed robbery,” said PCG Matanga.

The Police boss said the force was aware that some people ignored the amnesty on unregistered firearms extended to them by President Mnangagwa  last year and were using them to commit crimes.

“We have also gathered with concern that despite government amnesty on holders of unregistered firearms to surrender them, many such weapons are being recovered at crime scenes. Once again, I wish to categorically state that those with unregistered firearms shall be deemed to have criminal intent,” he said.

Last year, President Mnangagwa declared a near two-month long amnesty on all illegal firearm holders to voluntarily surrender the lethal weapons to their nearest police stations with no questions asked. The amnesty also covered those in possession of weapons which were smuggled or illegally brought into the country.

No criminal charges were preferred on those volunteering the weapons during the stipulated period as long as one complied with the provisions of the Presidential Amnesty. The amnesty followed a spike in armed robberies and other offences involving the illegal use of the weapons throughout the country.