EDWIN MOYO
Gweru-The Regulating Authority for Gweru Urban Police District, Chief Superintendent Tambudzai Bibian Gumpo has issued an order against carrying of dangerous weapons in public in areas of his jurisdiction extending from Midlands State University (MSU) to Fletcher High School.
These areas include, Dayslesford, Coolmoreen Plots, Greenvale, Ridgemont, Hertfordshire, Montrose Plots, Woodlands, Mkoba 20, Mkoba 19, Mkoba 14, Mkoba 5, CSC, Heavy Industry, Dabuka, Southview extension back to Midlands State University, The Midweek Watch has been informed.
“Acting in terms of section 4 of Maintenance Of Peace And Order Act [Chapter 11:23] [Hereinafter referred to as MOPA], Chief Superintendent Gumpo do hereby temporarily prohibit the carrying in public (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 3 months that is from 01June 2023 to 31August 2023 because cases involving the use of these weapons are now rampant and threatening the very existence of public safety.
“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 in safe custody every weapon or item so seized so that it may be submitted to the jurisdiction of the court to be dealt with in accordance with the law.
“For the avoidance of doubt, it is declared, in terms of section 4(4) of 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’ Gumpo said today in a statement
The issuance of the order has reportedly been moved by the increase of cases of violence where use of machetes, knobkerries, swords, knives, spears or daggers, catapults and other offensives weapons or other traditional weapons has been noted to be on the rise.
Meanwhile. Midlands Provincial Police spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko has urged the public to work hand in hand with the Police by reporting an suspects breaching the prohibitive order.
“We are appealing to members of the public to comply with the order and to report all those they see in possession of any weapons at their nearest police station.
“According to Section 4 of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act Chapter 11:23“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 both such a fine and imprisonment”. he added
The ban also comes as the law enforcement agency is trying to create a conducive election environment which is violent free.
Kwekwe District recently issued a similar prohibitive order after witnessing a spike crime cases where dangerous weapons were used.
