Harare, (New Ziana) – The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has intensified a nationwide crackdown on the carrying of dangerous weapons in public places amid growing concern over violent crimes linked to knives, machetes, and other offensive weapons.
Police say the ongoing operation, dubbed “No to Knives in Pockets/Ingqamu Idingani Esikhwameni/Banga Rinodei Muhomwe,” is targeting individuals carrying weapons in public spaces such as bars, nightclubs, mining settlements and residential areas where minor disputes are increasingly turning deadly.
National Police Spokesperson, Paul Nyathi on Thursday said the operation forms part of broader efforts to curb violent crimes including murder, attempted murder and robbery.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police has intensified Operation ‘No to Knives in Pockets/Ingqamu Idingani Esikhwameni/Banga Rinodei Muhomwe’ as part of ongoing efforts to curb violent crimes, including murder, attempted murder and robbery, in which dangerous weapons such as knives, machetes and catapults are commonly used,” said Nyathi.
He said criminal activities involving armed suspects have become increasingly common in entertainment spots and densely populated communities, with arguments often escalating into serious assaults and fatal attacks.
“The operation follows concern over cases involving criminal elements carrying dangerous weapons, particularly knives and machetes, in public areas such as liquor outlets, nightclubs, mining settlements and residential areas, where petty disputes often escalate into serious acts of violence,” he said.
Police statistics released on Thursday show that 15 people were arrested on May 18 alone under the operation, bringing the cumulative number of arrests to 346 since the launch of the crackdown on May 9 this year.
Nyathi said there was no justification for members of the public to carry dangerous weapons in public places and warned that law enforcement officers would continue conducting stop-and-search exercises across the country.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police reiterates that there is no justification for members of the public to carry knives, machetes or other dangerous weapons in public places,” he said.
He urged citizens to cooperate with officers during police operations and to assist authorities by reporting suspicious individuals carrying weapons.
“Members of the public are urged to cooperate with Police officers during stop-and-search exercises and to report individuals carrying dangerous weapons through the National Complaints Desk,” said Nyathi.
The intensified operation comes as authorities move to restore public safety and reduce incidents of violent crime that have in recent months sparked concern among communities across the country.
New Ziana
