Murder cases double

Tinomuda Chakanyuka Sunday News Reporter
MURDER cases in the country have doubled over the past six years with police saying most of the cases involved domestic violence and beer drinking among other social issues. According to data obtained from the Zimbabwe National Statics Agency (Zimstats), there has been a 117 percent increase in murder cases over the period under review. The Zimstat Quarterly Digest of Statistics for the fourth quarter of 2015 shows that 1 387 murder cases were recorded last year compared to 638 cases recorded in 2010.

In 2011 734 cases were recorded and the number rose to 901 in 2012 before going down slightly to 830 in 2013. The murder cases soared to 1 015 in 2014 before hitting 1 387 last year, a figure that has evoked concern from the police.

In 2015 the third quarter recorded the highest number of cases 648 followed by the last quarter which recorded 255 cases.

The first and second quarters of the year recorded 240 and 244 cases respectively.

However, the data from Zimstat does not show which province in the country recorded the highest number of killings.

Chief police spokesperson Senior Assistant Commissioner Charity Charamba could also not give the provincial figures as she said she was out of office.

She, however, said the continued increase in murder cases was worrying and urged members of the public to resolve their disputes amicably. Snr Asst Comm Charamba said most of the murder cases recorded were as a result of domestic disputes, beer drinking, and other social or related matters.

“The increase is obviously worrying. As police we encourage people to solve their disputes amicably. Most of the cases involve domestic violence and beer drinking. The majority of the cases involve such weapons as knobkerries, knives and beer bottles.

“As police we don’t condone people taking the law into their own hands. When one feels aggrieved they should seek recourse through the right channels. We have our PR offices where, in the event of domestic disputes, (people) can go and have their issue solved. As police we encourage people to respect life,” she said.

Snr Asst Comm Charamba said most of the murder cases were avoidable if people desist from taking matters into their own hands. She said the rising trend in murder cases was continuing into 2016 with six cases having been recorded last week alone countrywide. The cases were recorded in Bulawayo, Mashonaland Central, Masvingo and Manicaland provinces.

Snr Asst Comm Charamba also noted with concern an increase in armed robbery cases. She said members of the public should desist from carrying large amounts of money or keeping the same in their houses as they risk being robbed.