Online Reporter
Midlands Bureau
Police in Gweru Urban have banned the carrying of dangerous weapons in public areas for the next three months.
The prohibition order is a response to the upsurge in cases of violence, including robbery, unlawful entry, domestic violence, assaults, murder and attempted murder involving the use of dangerous weapons.
The prohibition order, signed by the Officer Commanding Gweru Urban District, Chief Superintendent Dr Leon Marongedze, takes effect from December 15 to March 15 2026.
Chief Supt Marongedze said for the next three months, people are barred 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 said the measure was necessary to restore public safety, adding that cases involving dangerous weapons had become rampant and 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.
Chief Supt Marongedze noted that the order would be displayed in all public places within Gweru Urban.
He urged members of the public to comply with the order and also report anyone found breaching it.
