The Act, which was passed by President Jacob Zuma in July, will deal harshly with anyone in possession of weapons - including fake guns and knives - that could be used to commit crimes or be carried at a public gathering. It will empower police officers to arrest people carrying dangerous weapons during public gatherings. The report adds an internal memo sent out by police top brass earlier this week tells police to start enforcing the Act as from January 2014. 'If the possession of a dangerous weapon raises a reasonable suspicion that the person intends to use the dangerous weapon to commit an unlawful act, the person may be found guilty of an offence and liable for conviction to a fine or to be imprisoned for a period not exceeding three years,' the memo is reported to have said. Full report in The Herald (subscription needed) Dangerous Weapons Act (PDF file)