
Mangaliso Kabulika
THE Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (Zimstat) has revealed that the national crime rate increased by 21.5 percent in the fourth quarter of 2023.
This was compared to 182 427 offences recorded in the third quarter.
The increase accounts for 221 596 offences recorded between the period of October to December 2023.
Zimstat also reported an increase in crime rate across the country’s 10 provinces with Bulawayo and Harare topping the list.
Zimstat manager for social statistics, Tinashe Mwadiwa, said:
“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.”