Sydney Mubaiwa

MIDLANDS BUREAU CHIEF

GWERU-Officer Commanding Gweru Urban District, Chief Superintendent Tambudzai Gumbo, has issued a prohibition order banning the carrying of weapons in public places.
She told The Mirror in an interview that the weapons include machetes, knobkerries, swords, knives, spears or daggers and catapults.

Gumbo said the order is from June 1, 2023-August 31, 2023. Anyone found violating the order will be sentenced for a period not exceeding six months or a fine not exceeding level five or to both the fine and imprisonment.

She said the rise in violent crimes involving dangerous weapons necessitated the order. Police officers have been authorized to seize the weapons even without a warrant.
“Police officers shall place every weapon seized in safe custody so that it may be submitted to the court under the law. Anyone found guilty of violating the order will be found guilty and risks imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or a fine not exceeding level 5 or both the fine and imprisonment.

“There has been an increase in violent crimes committed daily. As police, we have seen it fit to issue this prohibition order. We have noticed that these crimes are being committed by people moving around with dangerous weapons,” she said.

The order is under Section 4 of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA) (Chapter 11:23).
Gweru Urban covers Midlands State University (MSU), Fletcher High School, Daylesford, Coolmoreen plots, Greenvale, Ridgemont, Hertford shire, Montrose plots, Woodland, Mkoba 5, 14, 19, 20, Cold Storage Commission (CSC), Heavy Industry, Dabuka and Southview extension.
She appealed to members of the community to comply with the order and to report all those breaking it at their nearest Police station.