Beitbridge Police bans dangerous weapons
Ellen Mlambo
BEITBRIDGE – Beitbridge ZRP has banned the carrying of dangerous weapons in public places following an upsurge of crime in the district.
The ban is for a month from May 1 to May 31, 2022, according to a Prohibition order issued by the Police Officer Commanding Beitbridge District, Chief Superintendent Tichaona Nyongo yesterday.
Police sought the prohibition after the district recorded 1 murder case, 12 attempted murder and 23 robbery cases between January 1 and April 11 2022.
The banned weapons include catapults, machetes, axes, knobkerries, swords, knives or daggers. These weapons will not be carried in public, whether openly or by concealment.
The prohibition order is issued in terms of section 4 of the Maintenance of Peace and Order (MOPA) Act, Chapter 11:23.
“By virtue of this notice, any Police officer is hereby authorised interms of section 4(5) of MOPA to seize without warrant any weapon or item capable of being used as a weapon, found in the possession of any person in contravention of this Prohibition Notice and shall place in safe custody every weapon seized so that it may be submitted to the jurisdiction of the court to be dealt with in accordance with the law,” reads part of the notice.
The notice further states that any person who fails to comply with the order 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.
“We have only captured cases of Murder, Attempted Murder and Robbery where dangerous weapons were used and which cases added up to 36 since January 2022.
“We would have more than 50 cases had we included assaults where dangerous weapons were used.
“We just want to warn the public that carrying of such prohibited weapons during the prohibited period will result in arrests and accused persons will be taken to court and this is done for public safety.
It must be noted that the carrying of such weapons by our elders in terms of our culture will not attract any criminal action being taken against them,” said Nyongo.https://twonations.co.zw
