The Sunday News
Leonard Ncube, Victoria Falls Reporter
CHIEF Whange of Hwange District narrowly escaped an attack when an unknown assailant hit his vehicle with a stone while he was driving past Kenmaur in Lupane recently, police confirmed.
The attack which damaged the rear door, occurred around 1pm on 4 March. The chief was not injured and he made a report at Hwange Police Station. No arrest has been made.
As a result of the incident and a high rate of murder cases in the Hwange policing district which covers Hwange, Binga, Dete, Lusulu, Kamativi and Siabuwa, police issued an order banning the carrying of dangerous weapons in public places within the next three months.
Officer Commanding Police in Hwange District Chief Superintendent Leslie Seretse Maninge said police are worried about prevalence of murder cases as a result of violence. He said the prohibition order is for the period 7 March to 7 June.
“We are worried about the upsurge of murder cases in Hwange District and the recent attack on Chief Whange whose car was hit with a stone that damaged the rear door. It’s our duty to save lives and we are worried that for the month of February alone we recorded five murder cases, that’s a big number,” said Chief Supt Maninge.
The order was issued in terms of the Public Order and Security Act (Posa). Chief Supt Maninge said those who violate it or are found in possession of offensive weapons or acts contrary to the notice shall be dealt with in accordance with the law.
“The police being the regulating authority do hereby in terms of Section 14(1)(a) of the Public Order and Security Act Chapter11:17 (Posa) prohibit the carrying or possession of the following weapons in a public place within Hwange Police District for the period March 7 to June 7 2019. These include catapults, machetes, axes, knobkerries, swords, knives, daggers or any traditional weapon whatsoever,” added Chief Supt Maninge.
Officially opening the 2019 Hwange High Court session a fortnight ago, Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Maxwell Takuva bemoaned prevalence of murder cases involving violence mostly perpetrated by youths over petty issues.
The judge condemned use of weapons such as knives, axes, logs, machetes and knobkerries saying “the culture of death seems to have become synonymous with life in so many communities”.
“What is of great concern is that the murders arise from petty squabbles at beer drinks or minor family disputes. Most of the murders are committed by youthful offenders who roam around business centres consuming alcohol, taking drugs and then turn violent. We must find solutions to the violent behaviour in our communities,” said the judge.
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