The ManicaPost
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
FOLLOWING a rise in violent crimes involving the use of dangerous weapons, the police have issued a prohibition order that bans taking such weapons in public places.
The order is in accordance with Section 4 of Maintenance of Peace And Order Act (Chapter 11:23), otherwise known as MOPA.
In an interview, Officer Commanding Mutare Rural District, Chief Superintendent Plaxedes Mbira said the order prohibits carrying machetes, knobkerries, swords, knives, spears or daggers, catapults, and other offensive weapons in public places.
Chief Superintendent Mbira is in charge of Penhalonga, Odzi, Marange, Cashel Valley, Vumba, as well as Burma Valley.
She said it has been noted that violent crimes that include murder and armed robberies are now rampant.
“There has been an increase in the number of violent crimes. They are being committed on a daily basis so as the police we have seen it fit to put in place this prohibition order.
“We have noticed that these crimes are being committed by people who are moving around with dangerous weapons,” she said.
“For the avoidance of doubt, any person who fails to comply with this order may be found guilty of the offense and risks imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months, a fine not exceeding level 5 or to both the fine and imprisonment,” said Chief Superintendent Mbira.
She said police officers have been authorized to seize without warrant any weapon or item capable for use as a weapon, found in the possession of any person in contravention of the prohibition notice.
The police officers shall place every weapon seized in safe custody so that it may be submitted to the jurisdiction of the court in accordance with the law.
She appealed to members of the community to comply with the order and to report all those breaking it at their nearest police station.
