Zimpapers Logo

Rutendo Rori Mashonaland East Correspondent
Police in Mashonaland East have banned the carrying of dangerous weapons, as they try to reduce robbery cases in the province.

In a statement yesterday, provincial police spokesperson Inspector Tendai Mwanza said the prohibition for Marondera and Murehwa districts became effective on March 8 and would be in force until June 8, 2019, while that of Chivhu started on March 11 and ends on June 11. “The Zimbabwe Republic Police, Mashonaland East province, has of late witnessed a rise in violent cases that include armed robbery, murder and some violent demonstrations by misguided elements of the society in January this year,” he said.

“As such, the regulating authorities for Marondera, Murehwa and Chivhu police districts have with immediate effect issued some prohibition orders in their respective policing areas to thwart any potential use of dangerous weapons that are calculated at causing harm to the general public.

“Such prohibition will run from March 8 to June 8 2019 for Marondera and Murehwa Districts and March 11 to June 11 2019 for Chivhu. For the avoidance of doubt, it is declared that in terms of Section 14(4) of POSA (Chapter 11:17), any person failing to comply with such a prohibition made under sub section (1) shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level five or imprisonment for six months or both such fine and imprisonment.”

Insp Mwanza said during the period members of the public are banned from carrying catapults, machetes, axes, knobkerries, swords, knives or daggers in public.

”Armed robbery cases increased to 77 cases in January and February compared to the same period last year,” he said.

“It is, therefore, disturbing to note that armed robbers are moving in gangs and armed with such weapons as firearms, knives, machetes and to some extent axes in a bid to instil fear and sometimes maiming their victims.