Savious Madanhire & Tanaka Chare
Amidst threats of protests in the country, police in the Midlands Province have issued prohibition orders in Zvishavane, Gokwe, and Gweru districts, banning carrying certain weapons in public places to maintain public safety.
The Zvishavane Prohibition Order, issued by Chief Superintendent Enock Chishiri, the regulating authority for Zvishavane Police District, covers an area extending from Musavezi River to the North-East, stretching from Pakame to Guruguru mountain, covering Chief Masunda area up to Finale extension along Runde river to the East, up to Gundekunde area, covering Chief Mazvihwa,
Chief Ngungumbane, Chief Nyamhondo to the South-East, Chief Mketi, Chief Mahlebadza, Chief Bankwe to the South, Chief Mtevaidze area bounded by Dolo range from Insiza District, Chief Bvute to the West, bounded by Kroomdraai, Chief Mafala, Chief Wedza, Chief Mapanzure to the North-West, and back to Musavezi river.
The order which is effective from 27 March 2025 to 26 June 2025, prohibits the carrying of weapons such as catapults, machetes, axes, knobkerries, swords, knives, or daggers in public places for three months, citing a sharp increase in assaults, robberies, and murders involving these weapons.
“The reason for the issuance of this prohibition order is to curb the sharp increase in Assaults, Robberies, Murder cases and other violent crimes involving the aforementioned weapons in Zvishavane District,” reads part of the order issued in terms of Section 4 of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act [Chapter 11:23].
Similarly, Chief Superintendent Tsitsi Chikono, Officer Commanding Police Gokwe District, has issued a prohibition order for Gokwe District, covering areas such as Gokwe, Nkay,
Commanding Police Gokwe District
Lupane, and Hwange districts, including Munyati River to the North-East, stretching from Mutukanye area to Gwenya area, Ngondoma River to the South-East, stretching from Gwenya area to Chemagora Resettlement area.
Additionally, this order effective from 27 March 2025 to 28 May 2025, prohibits the carrying of traditional or other weapons in public places, citing a rise in crimes of passion and use of weapons.
“Any person who fails to comply with this prohibition notice made under Subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offense and liable to a fine not exceeding level Five or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or to both such fine and such imprisonment,” reads part of the order issued in terms of Section 14(1) of the Public Order and Security Act [Chapter 11:17].
Meanwhile, in Gweru, Chief Superintendent Dr. L. Marongedza, Officer Commanding Police Gweru District, issued a similar prohibition order, covering areas such as Midlands State University to Fletcher High School, Daylesford, Coolmoreen Plots, Greenvale, Ridgemont,
Hertfordshire, Montrose Plots, Woodlands, Mkoba 20, Mkoba 19, Mkoba 14, Mkoba 5, CSC, Heavy Industry, Dabuka, Southview Extension, and back to Midlands State University.
Moreover, this order, effective 28 March 2025, to 28 June 2025, prohibits the carrying of weapons such as catapults, sjamboks, machetes, axes, knobkerries, swords, spears, knives, or daggers in public places, citing an upsurge in crimes like robbery, unlawful entry, and domestic violence.
“The reason for the prohibition follows an upsurge in crimes such as Robbery (other weapons), Unlawful Entry and Theft, Domestic Violence, Assaults, Attempted Murder in Gweru Urban District,” reads part of the order issued in terms of Section 4(1) of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act [Chapter 11:23].
Therefore, the Prohibition orders demonstrate the Midlands Province Police’s commitment to maintaining public safety and order amidst potential unrest.
Meanwhile the ZRP has dismissed as false information, social media claims that they have authorised illegal demonstrations planned by the country’s detractors.
In a statement, Police Spokesperson, Commissioner Paul Nyathi, said the ZRP has not issued a statement to that effect.
He said the fake statement was posted on social media by individuals bent on destabilising peace in the country, adding that members of the public should go about their daily business without disturbances.
Commissioner Nyathi warned that the full wrath of the law will catch up with those found promoting violence by spreading falsehoods on social media.
Police in Guyu arrested Nkosiyabo Nsingo (33) in connection with a case of murder which occurred on 27/03/25 at Tibeli Business Centre.
The suspect stabbed the victim, Thembani Ndlovu (40) with a knife on the neck after the victim had refused to buy him beer.
The victim died on the spot.
