Zvishavane Police Ban Dangerous Weapons for Three Months

By Southerton Business Times Reporter, Harare

ZVISHAVANE – Police in Zvishavane have banned the carrying of dangerous weapons in the district for three months, from October 31, 2026, to January 31, 2027, citing a rise in violent crime.

Officer Commanding Zvishavane Police District, Chief Superintendent Enock Chishiri, announced the prohibition in a statement dated October 7, 2026. The ban covers machetes, knobkerries, swords, knives, spears, daggers, catapults and other offensive or traditional weapons. Chishiri said the order was issued in terms of Section 4 of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act [Chapter 11:23] (MOPA).

Anyone found violating the prohibition faces a fine not exceeding level five, imprisonment for up to six months, or both, according to the order. “The prohibition is intended to curb the sharp increase in assaults, robberies, murder cases and other violent crimes in the district,” the statement said. The order cites Section 4(2) of MOPA, warning that anyone who fails to comply with a prohibition made under the relevant provisions of the law will be guilty of an offence.

The restriction applies across the Zvishavane Police District, which covers a broad area spanning several traditional leadership jurisdictions and surrounding communities. According to the boundaries outlined in the statement, the district extends from the Musavezi River in the north-east, through areas including Pakame and Guruguru Mountain, and covers Chief Masunda’s area up to Finale Extension.

Its eastern boundary follows the Runde River towards Gundekunde, while the south-eastern areas include those under Chiefs Mazvihwa, Ngungumbane and Nyamhondo. The district also covers areas under Chiefs Mketi, Mahlebadza and Bankwe to the south, as well as Chief Mtevaidze’s area, which borders Insiza District along the Dolo Range.

To the west, the boundaries include Chief Bvute’s area near Kroomdraai, while the north-western section covers areas under Chiefs Mafala, Wedza and Mapanzure before returning to the Musavezi River. The prohibition is due to take effect on October 31 and remain in force until January 31, 2027. Residents and travellers within the district are therefore urged to familiarise themselves with the order and its restrictions to avoid potential arrest and prosecution.

Zvishavane police have banned carrying machetes, knives, swords and other dangerous weapons from October 31, 2026, to January 31, 2027, amid rising violent crime.

Zvishavane dangerous weapons ban