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Freedom Mupanedemo

Midlands Bureau

Police in Gweru have banned people in surrounding rural communities from carrying dangerous weapons following a spate of murder cases, particularly in resettlement areas. 

Midlands provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said the ban will be effective for three months. 

“The police regulatory authority in Gweru Rural district, Chief Superintendent Enthia Muzvidziwa has issued a prohibition order in terms of Section 4 of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act Chapter 11:23 which says any person failing to comply with such a prohibition 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 to be both such a fine and imprisonment,” said Insp Mahoko. 

He said the banned weapons were machetes, knobkerries, swords, knives, spears, catapults and other offensive weapons. 

Insp Mahoko said the ban will be effective from Tuesday next week until August this year. 

“The prohibition order intends to curb the assault, robbery, murder and rape cases which are on the increase in those areas. Pursuant to this goal, the police shall be visible in all residential, industrial, mining and rural communities,.

Insp Mahoko said the affected areas were Shurugwi town and its surroundings, including Tongogara, Mvuma, Maboleni, Gweru rural, Lalapanzi and Charandura.

He said police would be out in full force to effect the ban. 

“We are appealing to members of the public to report all those found in possession of such prohibited weapons at any police station. 

“We also warn those who would be found on the wrong side of the law that we shall be out in full force to ensure we thwart any criminal activities,” he said.