The letter comes amid growing public anxiety over machete gangs who have been attacking mostly pedestrians, particularly in urban areas, a situation which has led residents to call for greater police visibility and more robust legislative responses to weaponised crime.
In a letter dated May 16, 2025, Gumede detailed a sharp rise in machete-related violence across several suburbs in Bulawayo, warning that public safety is under serious threat and calling for swift government intervention.
“I write to bring to your immediate attention a growing threat to public safety and order in Bulawayo,” said the MP.
“Over the past six weeks, there has been a worrying surge in violent incidents involving the public carrying and use of dangerous weapons such as machetes and axes.”
The legislator pointed out that police reports and community feedback reveal an alarming trend of armed groups operating in residential areas, using weapons not for agricultural purposes but for criminal activities.
“According to reports compiled from local police stations and community leaders: Over 15 cases of machete-related assaults were recorded in several of our wards namely Ward 2, 5, and 9 between 1 April and 10 May 2025,” Gumede wrote.
“In Ward 6, a 17-year-old student was seriously injured on 22 April after being attacked with an axe while walking home from school. Four separate incidents in Bulawayo North, Luveve, and Cowdray Park involved groups of young men openly carrying machetes, threatening pedestrians and shop owners.”
The lawmaker highlighted that law enforcement officers are struggling to manage the situation due to the ease with which such weapons are carried in public.
“Police officers report increasing difficulty in controlling groups armed with such weapons, particularly in high-density suburbs and during weekend gatherings. These weapons are clearly not being carried for agricultural or professional purposes,” Gumede said.
“Rather, they are being used to intimidate, rob, and injure innocent civilians, further eroding community trust in law enforcement and government institutions.”
To address the situation, the MP proposed a series of urgent interventions to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
“I therefore urgently request the Ministry to consider the following immediate interventions:
One, a statutory ban on the public carrying of machetes, axes, and similar dangerous weapons in all urban and residential areas, unless for legitimate professional use.
Two, increased police patrols and checkpoints in known hotspots including Bulawayo North, Gwabalanda, Cowdray Park, and Mpopoma. Rapid-response units to be stationed in areas experiencing repeat incidents.
Three, a coordinated awareness campaign in collaboration with local leadership to discourage the culture of weaponised violence.
Four, tougher sentencing guidance for unlawful possession and use of these weapons.”
Gumede highlighted there was an urgent need to restore peace in the affected suburbs.
“It is imperative that we act proactively to stem the tide of violence and restore the rule of law and public confidence. I am available to meet with your office to provide further details or to arrange a multi-stakeholder meeting inclusive of community representatives. I trust in your swift and firm response to this matter,” she wrote.
Meanwhile, Ward 2 Councillor Adrian Rendani Moyo has thrown his weight behind the MP’s call for a ban on dangerous weapons, noting that law enforcement appears to have already started taking action.
“On Friday, I saw a printed prohibition notice at one shop in Queens Park West signed by Chief Superintendent I. Zhou,” Moyo said. “Weapons mentioned were machetes, axes, traditional weapons, tasers, and pellet guns. I skimmed over it because I was rushing somewhere,” he said.
Moyo also stressed the need for widespread enforcement and public awareness and should authorities act, the visibility of such notices would be a positive step.
“This is not just about policy, it’s about the safety of our residents. If these measures are fully enforced, they can help aid security in our neighbourhoods,” he said.