NEW: Zimbabwe’s crime rate rises in fourth quarter

The Sunday Mail

Online Reporter

THE Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) says the national crime rate witnessed an increase of 21,5 percent during the fourth quarter of 2023 from the previous quarter.

The agency reported a total of 221 596 recorded offences between October and December, compared to the 182 427 offences recorded in the preceding quarter.

This surge in crime rate affected all 10 provinces of the country, with Bulawayo and Harare emerging as the regions with the highest number of reported crimes.

Said ZimStat social statistics manager Mr Tinashe Mwadiwa:

“There were 37 602 cases of theft recorded in the country.

“Assault and theft were also the most frequently committed acts, which accounted for 29 741 offences.

“Unlawful acts involving tobacco, alcohol and other controlled substances accounted for 4 886 offences,” he said.