The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (Zimstat) has released alarming statistics indicating a significant surge in the national crime rate during the fourth quarter of 2023. According to the latest data, there was a notable increase of 21.5 percent compared to the third quarter, with a staggering 221,596 reported offences recorded between October and December 2023, up from 182,427 in the previous quarter.
Zimstat’s report highlights a concerning trend across all ten provinces of Zimbabwe, with major urban centers such as Bulawayo and Harare experiencing the highest incidences of crime. Among the most prevalent offenses reported were cases of theft, accounting for a significant portion of the recorded incidents, with a total of 37,602 cases documented during the period under review.
Additionally, assaults and theft emerged as the most frequently committed acts, collectively contributing to 29,741 reported offenses.
ALSO READ: Tazvi Mhaka Bedding Sir Wicknell’s Wife?? Tazvi Mhaka Speaks!
The rise in unlawful activities involving tobacco, alcohol, and other controlled substances is also alarming, with 4,886 reported offenses linked to such activities during the same period.
Commenting on the findings, Tinashe Mwadiwa, Zimstat’s manager for social statistics, expressed concern over the escalating crime rates. Mwadiwa emphasized the need for urgent measures to address the underlying factors contributing to the surge in criminal activities, calling for collaborative efforts from law enforcement agencies, community leaders, and the public at large.
The increase in crime rates underscores the importance of implementing effective strategies to combat criminal activities and enhance public safety across the country. Zimstat report serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges facing Zimbabwe in maintaining law and order and underscores the urgency of adopting proactive measures to address the root causes of crime and promote a safer society for all citizen