Diana Gondongwe
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Masvingo province has prohibited the possession of weapons in public places; warning that the carrying of catapults, machetes, axes, knobkerries, swords, knives, spear or daggers and any traditional weapons in public whether openly or by concealment can lead to arrest.
The ban, which was published using a public notice, took effect on March 11 and will last until June 08.
“For the avoidance of doubt it is declared that in terms of section 14(4) of the Public Order and Security Act (Chapter 11:17) any person failing to comply with such a prohibition 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,” reads part of the notice.
It was signed by Chief Superintendent Zacharia Mutize of Masvingo East District, Chief Superintendent Godwin Chikuma of Masvingo Central District, Chief Superintendent Charles Ngirishi of Chiredzi District and Chief Superintendent Lawrence Zhou of Masvingo West District.
“Anyone failing to comply with such prohibition 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 both such fine and such imprisonment,” the notice further reads.