EDWIN MOYO
GWERU- Gweru Rural district police officer, Chief Superintendent Shandirai Munemo has issued a dangerous weapons prohibition order from February 7 to May 7, 2024.
Sup Munemo’s jurisdiction covers Shurugwi town areas, Mvuma town areas, all mining areas of Wonderer Mine, Shurugwi, Arizona and Shamrock Mine, Gweru Rural and all business centres in Charandura, Maboleni, Tongogara and Lalapanzi.
Acting in terms of section 4 of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act, (Chapter 11:23) (hereinafter referred to as MOPA), do hereby temporarily prohibit 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 such weapons, axes, knobkerries, swords, knives, catapults or daggers are used.
“Violent crimes such as murder are being committed. By virtue of this notice, any police officer is, in terms of section 4 (5) of MOPA, hereby authorised 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 safe custody every weapon or item so seized so that it may be submitted to the court to be dealt with in accordance with the law.
“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 offence 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.” reads part of the notice.
