Police In Lupane Ban Machetes In Public

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has banned for three months, the carrying of dangerous weapons in Lupane District in a bid to reduce the violence and looting of property.

In a statement on Friday, Officer Commanding Lupane District Chief Superintendent Rosum Shonhiwa said the bans were effective from June 12 to 12 September. He said:

I believe on reasonable grounds that 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 in terms of Section 2(4)of Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (Chapter 11:23 A) catapults, machetes, axes, knobkerries, swords, knives, daggers or any traditional weapons for whatsoever occasion and might cause public disorder or a breach of the peace.

I hereby issue an order prohibiting the carrying of such weapons within my district or any part thereof for a period not exceeding three months that is from 12 June to 12 September.

Chief Supt Shonhiwa warned those who fail to comply with the prohibition order that they shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level five or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or both.

More: Chronicle