Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba
Police in Midlands Province have recorded a total of 38,459 criminal cases between January and September this year, including 124 murders.
This represents a slight decrease compared to the same period last year, when 38,559 criminal incidents were reported, including 149 murders.
The figures, according to the Officer Commanding Police in Midlands Province, Commissioner Patson Nyabadza, highlight a marginal decline in crime rates in the province.
He made these remarks while addressing stakeholders at a Midlands Provincial crime awareness campaign held yesterday at Cross Roads Business Centre in Silobela.
“According to the provincial crime table, from January to September 2024, overall crime recorded was 38,559 while this year we have recorded 38,459 representing a decrease of about three percent. In terms of murder, last year we recorded 149 cases as compared to 124 this year representing a 17 percent decrease,” said Commissioner Nyabadza.
He noted a 13 percent surge in robbery cases, with 60 cases recorded last year compared to 68 this year.
Commissioner Nyabadza also highlighted that adult rape cases increased slightly from 163 last year to 165 this year, while juvenile rape cases rose from 285 to 306.
“We are worried about the surge in juvenile rape cases which increased by seven percent. Last year we recorded 633 stock theft cases and this year 684 which means there is an eight percent increase,” he said.
He added that the main crimes of concern include murder, assaults, armed robbery, drugs and substance abuse, domestic violence, rape, and stock theft.
Commissioner Nyabadza further stated that these crimes are common across all districts, with the Silobela area among the most affected.
