Online Reporter
Midlands Bureau
POLICE in Gweru Urban have imposed a three-month ban on the carrying of dangerous weapons in public areas.
The prohibition order comes in response to a surge in violent crimes, including robbery, unlawful entry, domestic violence, assaults, murder and attempted murder, all involving the use of dangerous weapons.
The order, signed by the officer commanding Gweru Urban District, Chief Superintendent Dr Leon Marongedze, takes effect from December 15 and will run until March 15, 2026.
Chief Supt Marongedze said that for the next three months, members of the public are prohibited from carrying or displaying catapults, machetes, axes, knobkerries, swords, knives, daggers or any item capable of being used as a weapon, whether openly or concealed.
“The ban, issued under the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA), follows a worrying rise in offences committed using knives, machetes and other crude weapons across suburbs stretching from Midlands State University (MSU) through Mkoba, Ridgemont, Hertfordshire, Coolmoreen, Southview, Woodlands and the industrial areas,” he said.
Chief Supt Marongedze stressed that the measure was necessary to restore public safety, adding that cases involving dangerous weapons had become rampant and were threatening the very existence of peace in Gweru Urban.
“Under Section 4(5) of MOPA, any police officer is empowered to seize prohibited weapons without a warrant and place them in safe custody for possible court action. Offenders face penalties of up to a level five fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both,” he said.
He added that the order would be displayed in all public places within Gweru Urban and urged members of the public to comply with the directive and report anyone found breaching the notice.
