Police issue machetes ban following running battles between gold panners in Kwekwe
Kwekwe police have issued a ban on the carrying of dangerous weapons including machetes, in a bid to contain running battles between rival groups of gold panners.
Officer commanding Kwekwe District, Chief Superintendent David Tiese, issued a prohibition order under section 14(1) of the Public Order and Security Act (Posa) banning the carrying of dangerous weapons which include catapults, machetes, knobkeriies, knives, axes, spears and any traditional weapons whatsoever for a period ending end of April.
The order, which has affected people in rural areas around Kwekwe district, was introduced following several battles in which illegal gold panners hacked each other with machetes. Police in Kwekwe had earlier suggested that the public surrender their weapons to the Zanu PF youth league. However the suggestion was resisted, leading to the blanket ban. Those found in possession of the weapons risk being jailed for at least six months or face a level five fine.
More: NewsDay
