Crime Rate Surges 33% in Zim

Rutendo Mazhindu | ZimNow Reporter

The Zimbabwe Republic Police recorded 310,876 criminal offences in the first quarter of 2025, reflecting a 33.7% surge from the 232,593 cases reported in the fourth quarter of 2024, according to the latest statistics from the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency.

The figures represent a sharp increase compared to the same period last year, when 221,704 offences were recorded in the first quarter of 2024, with a crime rate of 1,460.6 per 100,000 people.

ZIMSTAT reported that the national crime rate for the first quarter of 2025 rose to 2,048.1 crimes per 100,000 people, up from 1,532.3 at the end of 2024.

Director General of ZIMSTAT, Mr Tafadzwa Bandama, said the upward trend in crime was alarming and required immediate intervention.

“The country has experienced a worrying spike in criminal activities, ranging from theft, robbery, sexual offences, drug-related crimes to murder,” he said.
“These crimes leave lasting emotional, psychological, and financial scars on families and communities.”

Offences against public safety and state security dominated the statistics, with 177,909 cases recorded in the first quarter of 2025, up from 87,834 during the same period in 2024. The majority were non-injurious traffic violations, which alone accounted for 177,554 cases.

Acts against property were the second most prevalent category, with 51,599 cases, down slightly from 53,975 in the first quarter of 2024.

Acts causing or intending to cause harm to persons stood at 39,696, a slight decrease from 41,143 in the same period last year.

The number of persons charged by the police rose to 252,357, up from 172,737 in the fourth quarter of 2024 and 164,461 in the first quarter of 2024. Of those charged, 87% were male.

The national rate for persons charged with crimes increased to 1,662.6 per 100,000 people, while the male-specific rate was 3,026.6 per 100,000 males compared to 402.3 per 100,000 females.

Bulawayo recorded the highest crime rate in the country at 4,941.3 per 100,000 people, more than double the national average. Harare followed with 3,751.2, and Masvingo with 2,814.5.

Theft remained the most common offence with 36,645 cases, followed by 27,826 cases of assault and threats. Burglary accounted for 10,411 offences, while sexual violence cases totaled 3,752.

Drug-related crimes also continued to rise, with 7,254 cases reported, including unlawful acts involving controlled drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and other substances.

The statistics further showed 1,027 cases involving acts that led to or were intended to cause death. These included 300 intentional homicides, 326 attempted homicides, and 371 non-intentional homicides.

Speaking to ZimNow, ZRP Commissioner Paul Nyathi linked the rise in crime to increased economic activity, population movement, and social challenges.

“We have noted that with the opening up of the economy and increased movement, there has been a corresponding spike in criminal offences, particularly theft, robbery, and drug-related crimes,” he said.
“The police are intensifying operations, patrols, and community engagement to curb these trends.”

Commissioner Nyathi urged the public to actively participate in crime prevention.

“Community involvement is key in fighting crime. We urge citizens to report criminal activities and work closely with law enforcement to ensure safer communities,” he said.

Bandama also stressed the importance of data in crime prevention:

“Accurate and timely crime statistics are essential for crafting policies and interventions to reduce criminal activity and protect citizens,” he said.