POLICE in Bulilima and Mangwe have issued a three-month ban against the carrying of dangerous weapons in public as part of efforts to reduce violent crimes involving these weapons which are on the increase in the area.
Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Loveness Mangena said the ban will stretch from June 30 to September 30, 2023.
She said during the period police will intensify patrols and conduct stop and searches. Inspector Mangena said the ban will also help to ensure that peace prevails during the election period.
“Our policing district of Bulilimamangwe has issued a prohibition order against carrying of dangerous weapons. This prohibition order will also assist in ensuring peace prevails as we head toward elections. As police, we believe that the carrying in public, whether openly or in concealment, of these weapons is likely to cause public disorder or a breach of peace.
“These weapons are namely catapults, machetes, axes, knobkerries, swords, knives, spears, daggers or any traditional weapons. During the ban we will intensify patrols and conduct stop and searches. By virtue of this notice any police officer is hereby authorised in terms of Section 4 (5) of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act to seize without warrant any weapon or item capable of being used as a weapon,” she said.
Insp Mangena said anyone who failed to comply with the order in terms of Section 4 (4) of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (Chapter 11:23) will be liable to a fine not exceeding level five or imprisonment for six months or to both a fine and imprisonment.
She said the ban had been necessitated by a spate of robbery, attempted murder and murder cases which were recorded in the district involving these weapons. – The Chronicle
