HARARE — Just a day after issuing a sweeping prohibition on dangerous weapons, Harare suburban police have broadened their crackdown, warning that even carrying a stone in public could land offenders in jail.
Under the updated order, anyone found with a stone, knife, machete, or imitation firearm in designated suburbs now risks six months in prison, a hefty fine, or both.
The prohibition, issued under Section 4 of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act [Chapter 11:23], was signed by Chief Superintendent C. Mugurameno, the Officer Commanding Harare Suburban District. It covers areas that includes Westlea, Eastlea, Hillside, Msasa, Greendale, Highlands, Chishawasha, Borrowdale, Glenlorne, Sally Mugabe, Eco Farm, Avondale, Mount Pleasant, Marlborough, Mabelreign, Tynwald North, Rainham, Mount Hampden, Christon Bank, Hatcliffe, and Lowdale.
The order specifically outlaws the public carrying, whether openly or concealed, of various dangerous weapons, including imitation firearms, catapults, machetes, axes, knobkerries, swords, knives, stones, and daggers. It also extends to any traditional weapon deemed likely to cause public disorder or a breach of peace.
Police said the measures come in response to a surge in violent crimes such as armed robbery, murder, assault, and rape, often committed using the banned weapons.
Observers, however, view it as a preemptive strike ahead of March 31 demonstrations in which war veteran Blessed Geza has urged Zimbabweans to flood the streets and demand the ouster of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, whom he said had presided over corruption and failure.
The prohibition order is set to be in force for three months, from March 27, 2025, to June 27, 2025. Authorities have warned that violations will result in severe penalties, with offenders facing fines of up to Level Five, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
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