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Zim bans dangerous weapons
20/02/2008 10:03 - (SA)
Johannesburg - Police in Zimbabwe have banned the carrying or possession of dangerous weapons in public for the next two months as part of measures to ensure violence-free elections, the state-controlled Herald has reported.
The ban would apply to all police districts in Harare and Masvingo and would remain in force until at least three weeks after the March 29 elections.
The prohibition, effective from Thursday, was in accordance with Section 14 of the Public Order and Security Act Chapter 11:07, which empowered regulating authorities to ban certain weapons for security reasons, the newspaper reported.
Some of the weapons prohibited included machetes, spears, daggers, axes, knobkerries, swords, knives, catapults and any other traditional weapons.
"Police are empowered to search people and vehicles, confiscate and charge anyone found in possession of the specified dangerous weapons."
Officer Commanding Harare District Chief Superintendent Isaac Tayengwa announced the ban on Tuesday at a briefing attended by the five regulating authorities for Harare Suburban, Harare Central, Harare South, Mbare and Chitungwiza while Masvingo police announced their ban on Monday.
From past experience, he said, some unruly and misguided elements took advantage of election time to commit acts of violence, intimidation, harassment, vandalism and interfere with law-abiding citizens' lives.
Although Chief Supt Tayengwa said walking sticks were excluded from the list of dangerous weapons, he warned the public to desist from using them in acts of violence.
- SAPA
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