Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
CRIME in Zimbabwe rose by 12,1 percent in the fourth quarter of 2025, with 426 946 offences recorded compared to 380 727 cases in the previous quarter
According to the latest crime statistics report by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat), the national crime rate increased to 2 812,7 per 100 000 people, up from 2 508,3 recorded in the third quarter.
ZimStat said the increase reflected a continued rise in police-recorded offences across the country during the period under review.
“The police recorded 426 946 offences from October to December 2025, a 12,1 percent increase from 380 727 in the third quarter of 2025,” read part of the report.
The bulk of the cases fell under crimes against public safety and state security, which accounted for 280 667 offences, largely driven by non-injurious traffic violations.
Acts against property only accounted for 51 464 cases, while offences leading to or intending to cause harm to persons stood at 44 830.
The report showed that theft remained the most prevalent offence at 37 680 cases, followed by assaults and threats at 29 975. Drug-related offences were recorded at 11 926, while burglary cases stood at 8 348.
Harare recorded the highest crime rate at 6 195,3 per 100 000 people, more than double the national average, making it the most affected province.
Other provinces with crime rates above the national average include Bulawayo, Masvingo and Matabeleland South.
Meanwhile, 367 557 people were charged with criminal offences during the quarter, with males accounting for 88 percent of the total.
“The overall charge rate was 2 421,5 per 100 000 population, up from 2 136,4 recorded in the third quarter of 2025,” read the report.
ZimStat said the statistics were based on police-recorded data and may not include unreported cases, but are critical in informing policy and strengthening crime prevention strategies.
