Bulawayo Named Crime Capital of Zimbabwe
The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) has released its 2022 Fourth Quarter Crime Statistics Report and it reveals that Bulawayo is the most dangerous city in the country. The report shows that Bulawayo has a crime rate of 3 135,5 per 100 000 cases, the highest in the country. Harare follows with a crime rate of 2 116,9, Matabeleland South with 1 687,5, Masvingo with 1 359,2 and Mashonaland West with 1 303,9.
The Chronicle reports that ZimStat director general Mr Taguma Mahonde revealed that they obtained data from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Criminal Report and Disposal System. The crimes are classified according to the United Nations International Classification of Crime for Statistical Purposes (ICCS) adopted in 2016. The crimes include acts against public safety and state security, acts intending to harm or intending to cause harm to persons, sexual offences, fraud, and corruption among others.
Criminal Cases Increase Nationwide
ZimStat reported that there was a gradual spike in criminal cases nationwide from the beginning of 2022 to year-end. In the first quarter of the year, there were 143,923 offenses recorded, and 149,015 cases were recorded in the second quarter. The third quarter saw 185,660 cases, while the fourth quarter witnessed a significant jump in criminal cases, with 208,027 cases recorded.
Mr Mahonde added that there were high incidents of crimes being committed after individuals abused drugs and other substances. The country recorded 2 722 robbery cases, theft incidents stood at 35 392, and burglary cases stood at 10 438 during the fourth quarter.
The report also highlights that 319 people were intentionally killed last year, and 398 deaths were classified as non-intentional. There were 3 175 cases of sexual assault recorded between October and December, meaning that at least 20,9 people in every 100 000 risk being sexually abused.
Traffic Violations
Additionally, the report notes that 89,480 non-injurious traffic violations were recorded in the same period.
Bulawayo residents are at a higher risk of being exposed to crime compared to other citizens in other provinces in the country. The report reveals that assaults and threats are the most frequent acts causing harm or intending to cause harm to a person.
The statistics are alarming, and it’s crucial for the government to take action and implement measures that will reduce crime rates in the country.
