Buhle Mhlaulo & Savious Madanhire
The Officer Commanding Police Gokwe District Chief Superintendent Tsitsi Chikono has issued a prohibition order for the carrying of dangerous weapons in public areas from 22 July 2024 to 22 October 2024.
Chief Superintendent Chikono highlighted the areas affected by the prohibition order.
“Area bound by; 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.
The policing area is also bound by the Nkayi district boundary to the south covering the following areas, Gababe, Mateme, Nyaje, Tachi, Ndarira, Kana, Gadza, and Mukoka. To the southwest, the area shares a boundary with the Lupane district covering the following areas: Chehama, Msala, Mbungu, Kangura, Maboke, and Marirangwe.
To the west, it shares a boundary with Hwange district which stretches from the Sengwa research area and Chirisa Game Park. To the North West still along the boundary with Hwange district covering areas such as Vumba, Simuchembo, Zhomba, Nenyunga, and Guyu”.
Superintendent Tsitsi Chikono issued a prohibition notice for areas under Gokwe District, running for three months therefore highlighting the cause of the notice and types of weapons banned.
“Believe on reasonable grounds that due to rise in crimes of passion and use of weapons, 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; catapults, machetes, axes, knobkerries, swords, stones, knives, spears or daggers and any traditional weapon whatsoever is likely to occasion public disorder or a breach of the peace, hereby issue an order prohibiting the carrying of such weapons in Gokwe district or any part there for a period not exceeding three months, that is from 22 July 2024 to 22 October 2024”.
“According to section 4(4) of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act Chapter 11:23, any person failing to comply with such a prohibition made under subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offense and liable to a fine not exceeding level five or to imprisonment for six months or to both such fine and such imprisonment”, said Chikono.
However, Chief Superintendent Chikono warns members of the public to desist from carrying or displaying in public any weapons whatsoever likely to occasion public disorder or breach of peace; for the specified period of time.
Meanwhile, police has confirmed a robbery case, in Shurugwi where four men assaulted and robbed a 31-year-old man on 12 July 2024 at around 1900 hours.
The Midlands Liaison Officer Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said the circumstances were that the unnamed complainant was walking along a footpath and was intercepted by four armed men some have since been identified.
“The complainant was walking along a footpath when he was intercepted by four other men who were armed with an electric shocker and an axe. Two of the assailants have been arrested and identified as Tafadzwa Chimhindi (28) of Dark City Shurugwi, and Peace Chingozho (31) of Dark City Shurugwi. The other two are yet to be identified”, said the police.
Mahoko said the complaint was assaulted, robbed, and forced to extract gold ore for the assailants at a nearby mine and was released after 3 hours.
“The suspects electrocuted the complaint with an electric shocker and hit him with an axe on the back as they were searching him. They took $150-00 which was in his pocket and force-marched him to a nearby mine. At the mine, they forced him to extract gold ore and only released him after 3 hours”.
ZRP Shurugwi is said to be investigating the case and has since arrested the two suspects and the other two are still at large.
“We are appealing for any information that may lead to the identification and arrest of the remaining suspects”, Mahoko said.
