Police ban dangerous weapons in Hurungwe

POLICE in Hurungwe have banned the carrying of dangerous weapons as a measure of maintaining a peaceful environment ahead of the harmonised elections sched- uled for July 30.

In a statement yesterday, Officer Commanding Hurungwe District, Chief Superintendent Beauty Ncube said the embargo was effective from June 20 to September 20. “I believe on reasonable grounds that the carrying in public, whether openly or in concealment, any of the following weapons - catapults, machetes, axes, knobkerries, swords, knives, spears, daggers or any traditional weapons whatsoever - is likely to occasion public disorder,” she said in a statement.

“I hereby issue an order prohibiting the carrying of such weapons in Hurungwe District or any part thereof for a period not exceeding three months, that is from June 20 to September 20.”

Chief Supt Ncube said those who break the law were going to be dealt with accordingly. She said prohibition of possessing of offensive weapons was in line with Section 14(1) of the Public Order and Security Act (POSA) Chapter 11:17.

“For the avoidance of doubt, it is clear that in terms of Section 14(4) of the Public Order and Security Act (Chapter 11:17), any person failing to comply with such a prohibition made under Subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level five or imprisonment for six months or both such fine and such imprisonment,’’ said Chief Supt Ncube.

President Mnangagwa has called for a peaceful pre-election, election and post-election environment, saying people should exercise their right to choose a candidate of their choice. To that end, President Mnangagwa has extended an invitation to any country and organisation that want to observe the elections.

He has said Zimbabwe will deliver a free, fair and credible election, which conforms to regional and international standards.