MARTIN MAWAYA
GWERU-An upsurge in violent crime, including robbery, unlawful entry, domestic violence, assaults, murder and attempted murder has rocked Gweru Urban District, prompting police to impose a sweeping three-month prohibition on the carrying of dangerous weapons.
The prohibition order, signed by the officer commanding Gweru Urban district Chief Superintendent Dr. Leon Marongedze, takes effect from 15 December 2025 to 15 March 2026.
It bars the public from carrying or displaying catapults, machetes, axes, knobkerries, swords, knives, daggers or any item capable of being used as a weapon, whether openly or concealed.
Superintendent Marongedze said the ban issued under the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA), follows a worrying rise in offences committed using knives, machetes and other crude weapons across suburbs stretching from Midlands State University (MSU) through Mkoba, Ridgemont, Hertfordshire, Coolmoreen, Southview, Woodlands and the industrial areas.
He said the measure was necessary to restore public safety, noting that cases involving dangerous weapons had become “rampant and threatening the very existence of peace” in the city.
Under Section 4(5) of MOPA, any police officer is empowered to seize prohibited weapons without a warrant and place them in safe custody for possible court action.
Offenders face penalties of up to a level five fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both.
Police said the order would be displayed in all public places within Gweru Urban and urged residents to comply and report anyone found breaching the notice.
“The intention is to curb all forms of crime during this festive season and beyond,” reads part of the order.
