Police impose two‑month ban on dangerous weapons in Gwanda

Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]

POLICE in Gwanda have imposed a two month ban on the carrying of dangerous weapons in public, as part of efforts to curb violent crime involving such weapons, which has been on the increase in the district.

In a statement, the Officer Commanding Gwanda District, Chief Superintendent Bekezela Ndlovu, said the prohibition will run from 1 April to 30 May 2026, during which the police will adopt a more visible and proactive approach to maintaining public order.

During the period of the ban, police officers will intensify patrols and conduct stop and search operations across the district as part of measures aimed at preventing weapon related offences before they occur.

The prohibition has been issued in terms of Section 2(4) of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (Chapter 11:23). The weapons covered under the ban include catapults, machetes, axes, knobkerries, swords, knives, spears, daggers and any traditional weapons.

“Carrying in public, whether openly or in concealment in a public place or in a public thoroughfare or public display of any of the following weapons (A) catapults, machetes, axes, knobkerries, swords, knives, spears or daggers,( B) any traditional weapons whatsoever is likely to occasion public disorder or a breach of peace, hereby issue an order prohibiting the carrying of such weapons in Gwanda District or any part thereof for a period not exceeding two months, that is from 1 April 2026 to 30 May 2026.

“For avoidance of doubt it is declared that in terms of Section 2(4) of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (Chapter 11:23) any person failing to comply with such a prohibition order made under subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level five or imprisonment for six months or to both such fine and such imprisonment,” she said.

Police have frequently linked the use of dangerous weapons to serious offences, including murder, attempted murder, robbery and rape, among other violent crimes recorded in and around the district.

The Gwanda District policing area shares boundaries with Umzingwane District to the north, covering areas such as Sezhube, Khozi, Matolokisi, Mapani and Conmara. To the south east, it borders Masvingo West District, including Dwala, Roaiberg and Makhado resettlement areas.

To the south, the district shares boundaries with Beitbridge District, stretching across Shanyaugwe, Manama, Takaliyawa and Kafusi. Gwanda District also borders the Republic of Botswana, with the international boundary spanning the Shashe River and Simukwe River along the south western corridor, including areas such as Simukwe, Mbembeswana and Beula.

To the west, Gwanda District borders Bulilima District, covering areas that include Manyane, Mapane, Khozi, Silobi and Mbizingwe.
@DubeMatutu