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Fortunate Gora Mash West Correspondent
Police in Mashonaland West have expressed concern over the increase in murder cases in the province, with 10 people having been killed in September.

One murder case was recorded during the same period last year.

In an interview recently, Mashonaland West provincial police spokesperson Inspector Clemence Mabgweazara said the 81,9 percent increase was disturbing, with people killing each other over petty issues.

He said the majority of murder cases were a result of domestic disputes, beer and drug abuse, while others involved mentally challenged persons.

“We are encouraging people to respect the sanctity of life,” he said.

“We are very worried about people who are killing each other in the province. We are warning all the potential lawbreakers that police is very alert and will not hesitate to arrest them.”

Insp Mabgweazara said most of the suspects in the murder cases used knives, knobkerries, beer bottles and machetes among other dangerous weapons.

Meanwhile, the ZRP in Makonde District have extended a ban on the carrying of dangerous weapons to maintain peace in the district.

In a statement, Officer Commanding Makonde District Chief Superintendent Plaxedes Phuthi said the embargo was with effect from October 1 to December 31 this year. The extension follows a similar ban that was effected a few months ago, prior to the July 30 harmonised elections.

“I believe on reasonable grounds that the carrying, whether openly or concealment, in a public place or public thoroughfare or public display of any of the following weapons — catapults, machetes, axes, knobkerries, swords, knives, spears, daggers or any traditional weapons, whatsoever, is likely to occasion public disorder,” she said.

Chief Supt Phuthi said those who broke the law would be dealt with accordingly.