Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka
Herald Correspondent
Zimbabwe recorded 7 061 Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) cases during the first quarter of 2026, highlighting the continued prevalence of gender-based violence despite gains in prosecuting offenders.
The latest statistics were revealed on Thursday by Deputy Prosecutor-General Mr Nelson Mutsonziwa, who was delivering a speech on behalf of Prosecutor-General Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo during the official handover of a digitised Gender-Based Violence Case Management System server to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe by UN Women.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe, prosecutors secured 3 776 convictions during the period, while 730 accused persons were acquitted.
A further 1 961 cases remained pending at the end of the quarter.
The statistics show that physical abuse and domestic violence accounted for the highest number of reported offences, with 3 505 cases received, resulting in 2 021 convictions.
There were also 1 559 rape cases, from which prosecutors secured 734 convictions, while 1 364 statutory rape cases under Section 70 were recorded, leading to 708 convictions.
Deputy Prosecutor-General Mutsonziwa said the figures demonstrated both the magnitude of SGBV in Zimbabwe and the dedication of prosecutors in ensuring offenders are brought to justice.
“In the first quarter of 2026 alone, the NPAZ received a staggering total of 7 061 SGBV cases nationwide. Our prosecutors successfully secured 3 776 convictions, which is a clear testament to the unwavering commitment, hard work and resilience of the NPAZ team.”
He, however, acknowledged that the large number of pending cases showed that manual paper-based systems had stretched the institution’s resources.
