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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Gwanda Correspondent
POLICE in Matabeleland South Province have issued a three months prohibition order against carrying of dangerous weapons in public as part of efforts to reduce criminal activities being recorded in the province.
In a statement provincial police spokesperson Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele said in Gwanda District the ban will run from 5 March to 5 June, while in Bulilimamangwe District it will stretch from 6 March to 6 June while in Beitbridge District it will run from 19 March to 19 June 2019.
He said during the period police will intensify patrols and conduct stop and searches throughout the province.
“Our three policing districts in the province that is Gwanda, Beitbridge and Bulilimamangwe Districts have each issued a three months prohibition order against carrying of dangerous weapons. As police we believe that the carrying in public, whether openly or in concealment, in a public or public display of these weapons is likely to cause public disorder or a breach of peace.
“These weapons are namely catapults, machetes, axes, knobkerries, swords, knifes, spears, daggers or any traditional weapons. During the ban we will intensify patrols and conduct stop and searches. Anyone found in possession of any of these weapons will be prosecuted and the weapons will be confiscated,” he said.
He said anyone who failed to comply with this order in terms of Section 14 (4) of the Public Order and Security Act (Chapter 11:17) subsection (1) will be liable to a fine not exceeding level five or imprisonment for six months or to both a fine and imprisonment.
Chief Insp Ndebele said the ban had been necessitated by a spate of robbery, assault and murder cases which were recorded in the province involving these weapons.
“We have encountered a number of violent crimes which are committed using these dangerous weapons in various parts of the province. He said robbery cases were mostly recorded in Beitbridge District while assault and murder cases were mostly recorded in Gwanda and Bulilimamangwe districts. Under the Gwanda policing area there are mining areas which have accounted for most assault and murder cases involving dangerous weapons as people fight over claims,” he said.
@DubeMatutu
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