Chronicle Editor
Midlands Reporter
Police in Gweru Rural have banned the carrying of machetes and other dangerous weapons to curb rising cases of assault, murder and robbery in the district.
Officer commanding Gweru Rural District Chief Superintendent Enthia Muzvidziwa yesterday said the ban would remain in force for three months.
She said there is an increase in assault, murder and robbery cases where weapons such as machetes, axes, knobkerries, swords, knives, catapults or daggers are used .
Chief Supt Muzvidziwa said the area covered by the ban includes south Lundi river bridge, to the south west Dorset, Woodend farm and Shangani river, to the west Mhlahlandlela and Ndabamhlope area, to the north Nkululeko and Mlezu area, to the east WhaWha and Chironde area which are within Shurugwi, Gweru Rural and Maboleni policing area.
“Acting in terms of section 4 of Maintenance Of Peace And Order Act (chapter 11:23) (Hereinafter referred to as MOPA), do hereby temporarily prohibit the carrying in public (whether openly or by concealment in a public place or public thoroughfare) or public display of any of the following weapons or items capable of use as weapons namely, catapults, machetes, axes, knobkerries, swords, knives or daggers for a period of (03 )three months that is from 29 April 2022 to 28 July 2022 because of the following reasons – there is an increase in assault, murder and robbery cases where weapons such as machetes, axes, knobkerries, sword, knives, catapults or daggers are used to commit the violent crimes,” she said.
Chief Superintendent Muzvidziwa said any police officer was authorised to seize without warrant, any weapon or item capable of use as a weapon, found in the possession of any person in contravention of this prohibition notice, and shall place in safe custody every weapon or item so seized so that it may be submitted to the court to be dealt with in accordance with the law.
“For the avoidance of doubt, it is declared, that any person who fails to comply with this prohibition notice shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level five or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or to both such fine and such imprisonment,” she said.
Online Reporter