By Ziyah News Network Reporter
Beitbridge, Zimbabwe – In an effort to curb rising violent crime rates, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Beitbridge district has issued a temporary prohibition on the possession of certain weapons within the District’s policing jurisdiction extending from Chikwarakwara to the East, Shalimpo to the West, Gwanda District to the Northwest and Bubi River to the East.
In a statement, the Police Officer Commanding Beitbridge District Chief Superintendent Mesuli Ncube said the decision was made in terms of Section 4 of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA) and is motivated by a recent surge in violent crimes in the District.
“Acting in terms of Section 4 of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act, Chapter 11:23, [Hereinafter referred to as M.O.P.A], 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 being used as weapons namely, catapults, machetes, axes, knobkerries, swords, knives or daggers for a period of three (03) month from 31st of July 2024 to 30th of October 2024 because of the following reasons: Between October 2023 to July 2024, Beitbridge District has recorded 16 Murders cases, 23 Attempted Murder cases, 49 Assault cases 111 Robbery related cases, 12 Domestic Violence cases, 01 Unlawful Entry and Theft case and 01 Rape case,” said Chief Superintendent Ncube.
The ban, is effective from July 31 to October 30, 2024 and gives police the power to seize any of the mentioned weapons without a warrant
“By virtue of this notice any Police officer is hereby authorised, in terms of Section 4 (5of MOPA, to seize without warrant, any weapon or item capable of being used as 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.”
The also urged citizens to cooperate with the authorities to maintain peace and order in the district.
“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.”