By Flata Kavinga
Police in Midlands Province have arrested 12 suspects and recovered an assortment of offensive weapons including toy guns, pellet guns, shockers and Colombian knives during an ongoing operation targeting illegal firearms and dangerous weapons.
The crackdown, codenamed “No to Illegal Firearms, Dangerous Weapons or Toy Guns”, was launched following an upsurge in violent crimes such as murder, attempted murder and armed robbery in the province.
Officer Commanding Police Midlands – Administration, Assistant Commissioner Christopher Ngulube confirmed the arrests and the seizures while addressing journalists at Kwekwe Central Police Station in Kwekwe.
He said the operation was aimed at enhancing public safety and ensuring that communities carry out their day-to-day activities without fear of violence.
“Midlands Province is known for agriculture and mining, which means there is a lot of cash circulating. This has unfortunately attracted criminals who use dangerous weapons to commit violent crimes. The operation is meant to flush out such elements,” Ngulube said.
He explained that police were conducting roadblocks, stop-and-search exercises, and inspections of firearm dealers and other outlets that sell weapons which could be used for criminal activities.
Authorities are also working with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) to curb the illegal importation of weapons into the country.
Ngulube urged members of the public to desist from carrying offensive weapons and warned that those found on the wrong side of the law would face arrest.
Police said the operation will continue until sanity is restored and communities feel safe from armed criminals.
Meanwhile, Officer-in-Charge CID Kwekwe, Detective Chief Inspector Samuel Gono said the imitation firearms, though not genuine, are increasingly being used by criminals to commit violent crimes.
“These are fake pistols, but they resemble real firearms and can fire pellets. When discharged, they produce a sound similar to that of a real gun, creating fear and panic among victims,” Gono said.
He explained that investigations have established a trend where criminals rely on such weapons, alongside other items such as shockers, pellet guns, and knives, to perpetrate robberies and related crimes. In some cases, genuine firearms have also been used.
The crackdown follows the issuance of a prohibition order under the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA), which came into effect on 14 August and will run for three months. The order bans the sale, possession, and use of offensive weapons in the district.
“As district leadership, we realised that many of these weapons were being imported illegally and sold without proper authorisation. Some shops were found to be in violation, and our operation specifically targeted these dealers,” Gono said.
He noted that many of the recovered imitation rifles matched descriptions provided by victims in recent criminal cases.
“These weapons create the impression that offenders are armed with real rifles, which escalates the level of intimidation during crimes,” Gono added.
Police also recovered electrical shockers, which are used by robbers to temporarily incapacitate victims, leaving them vulnerable to attacks.
The CID has urged members of the public to comply with the prohibition order and report any suspicious trade or possession of such weapons.
