Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Mutare Bureau
Police in Chipinge have banned the carrying and displaying of dangerous weapons in a bid to curb a surge in violent crimes.
The ban, targeting machetes, knives, swords, spears, knobkerries and other potentially lethal objects, comes in response to a rise in serious crimes, including assault, robbery, rape and murder.
The Officer Commanding Chipinge District, Chief Superintendent Edmore Kelosi, has issued a prohibition order banning the weapons for the next three months.
Violators will face jail terms.
“The belief is informed by an escalation in cases of violence perpetrated using mentioned weapons in Chipinge District. I hereby issue an order prohibiting the carrying of such weapons in the area or any part thereof for a period not exceeding three months. That is to say from February 4, 2026 to May 4, 2026.
“For the avoidance of doubt in terms of Section 4 (4) of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (Chapter 11.23), any person who fails to comply with this prohibition order shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding Level 5 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or both such fine and imprisonment,” reads the prohibition order.
Law enforcement agencies from Zimbabwe and Mozambique have intensified their collaboration to combat the worrisome surge in cross-border criminal activities along their shared border, resulting in notable arrests and recoveries of stolen property.
Chief Superintendent Kelosi said they have been working closely with Mozambican authorities to arrest criminals who flee across the border to sell stolen goods, by arresting and handing them over to Mozambican authorities to face justice.
