Harare — Police yesterday urged people with automatic weapons at their homes to surrender them at the nearest police station.

These weapons include, self-loading weapons, G3 (all types), FN 7.62 mm rifles, UZI M.G and scorpion pistols.

Police chief spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Wayne Bvudzijena urged the public to co-operate and did not give the reasons of the withdrawal.

"We would like to urge the people to fully co-operate with the police and those who will remain with these weapons would be contravening the law," he said.

Harare police spokesperson Inspector Jessie Banda said the firearm licences for such weapons had been withdrawn with immediate effect.

"Police would like to advise members of the public that firearm licences of the following weapons, self loading weapons, G3, FN 7,62 mm rifles and scorpion pistols have since been revoked in terms of sub section (7) of Section (6) of the Firearms Act (Chapter) 10:09," she said.

"Possession of the above listed firearms is now unlawful. Members of the public are being urged to surrender these firearms to their nearest police stations by 30 June 2005. They will be issued with an issue voucher upon surrendering the firearm," said Insp Banda.