By Tinaani Nyabereka
Gweru- As the number of murder cases, armed robberies and assaults continue to increase in Gweru Rural District, Police have issued a prohibition order banning the carrying of dangerous weapons.
The order was issued recently by Officer Commanding Gweru Rural District (DISPOL) Chief Superintendent Shandirai Munemo.
Gweru Rural Police District covers Shurugwi, Mvuma, all mining areas of Wonderer Mine, Arizona and Shamrock Mine, Gweru Rural and all business centers in Charandura, Maboleni, Tongogara and Lalapanzi.
“Circumstances given are that , acting in terms of section 4 of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act, (Chapter 11:23) (hereinafter referred to as MOPA), the order hereby temporarily prohibits the carrying in (whether openly or by concealment in a public place or public thoroughfare) or public display of any of the following weapons or items capable of use as weapons namely, catapults, machetes, axes, knobkerries, swords, knives, or daggers for a period of (03) three months that is from 07 February 2024 to 07 May 2024 because of the following reasons:
“There is an increase in assault and robbery cases where weapons such as axes, knobkerries, swords, knives, catapults or daggers are used for harmful intent,” reads part of the order.
The order further points out that there was an increase also in other violent crimes like murder and authorized the police to cease all weapons if anyone is found in possession of.
“Violent crimes such as murder are being committed, by this notice, any police officer is, in terms of section 4 (5) of MOPA, hereby authorized to seize without warrant, any weapon or item capable of use as a weapon, found in the possession of any person in contravention of this prohibition notice, and shall place in safe custody every weapon or item so seized so that it may be submitted to the court to be dealt with by the law,” reads part of the order
It went on to say anyone found in possession of any of the mentioned weapons will be prosecuted.
“For the avoidance of doubt, it is declared that, in terms of section 4(4) of the MOPA, that any person who fails to comply with this prohibition notice shall be guilty of an offense and liable to a fine not exceeding level 5, or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or to both such fine and such imprisonment,” read the notice.
