The police have noted with concern the number of murders committed since the start of 2015 with knives, machetes, and similar implements; with 21 such incidents recorded since the start of the year. Against this background, a zero-tolerance approach will be adopted as it pertains to offences under the Offensive Weapons (Prohibition) Act.

Citizens are being reminded that it is illegal to have in one's possession, in any public place, items such as daggers, knives, machetes, ratchet knives, or any item adapted to cause injury. Moreover, many times these items become instruments of death as, when disputes escalate, they are used as weapons. Persons are therefore being advised to desist from carrying any object that may be classified as an offensive weapon.

amicable solutions

In addition, the following steps are being provided for persons to follow to quash disputes amicably before they escalate into physical confrontations and, possibly, end in death.

1. Listen, truly listen. Listening strengthens us, informs us, and makes it easier for us to respond appropriately to others.

2. Make conflict resolution the priority rather than winning or 'being right.' Maintaining and strengthening the relationship, rather than 'winning' the argument, should always be your first priority. Be respectful of the other person and his or her viewpoint.

3. Focus on the present. If you're holding on to grudges based on past resentments, your ability to see the reality of the current situation will be impaired. Rather than looking to the past and assigning blame, focus on what you can do in the here and now to solve the problem.

4. Be willing to forgive. Resolving conflict is impossible if you're unwilling or unable to forgive. Resolution lies in letting go the urge to punish, which can never compensate for our losses and only adds to our injury by further depleting resources and draining our lives.

5. Know when to let something go. If you can't come to an agreement, agree to disagree. It takes two people to keep an argument going. If a conflict is going nowhere, you can choose to disengage and move on.