Police hail 10% drop in Bulawayo crime statistics

POLICE in Bulawayo have recorded a 10 percent decline in crimes of concern during the first six months of 2026, with authorities attributing the improvement to growing cooperation between law enforcement and the community.

They, however, raised concern over sharp increases in domestic violence, child rape, motor vehicle theft and fraud.

Speaking during a recent Crime Awareness Campaign in Bulawayo, Officer Commanding Bulawayo Province, Commissioner Jasper Chizemo, said the campaign was aimed at educating, engaging and empowering communities to take an active role in crime prevention.

“We’re now in the middle of 2026 and I am pleased to report that Bulawayo Province witnessed a 10 percent decrease in crimes of concern.

“A total of 7 739 cases were reported between January and June this year compared to 8 640 during the same period last year. This represents a reduction of 901 cases,” said Comm Chizemo.
“This achievement is attributable to the cooperation and support that the Zimbabwe Republic Police continues to receive from the Bulawayo community. Crime prevention is everyone’s responsibility and these results demonstrate what can be achieved when communities and the police work together.”

Comm Chizemo welcomed senior officers from police general headquarters, church leaders, schoolchildren, teachers, parents, community leaders and residents, saying their attendance reflected a shared commitment to building safer communities.

“Today’s campaign has been organised to educate, engage and empower members of the public on crimes that continue to affect our communities.

“These include drug and substance abuse, robberies, stock theft, pick-pocketing, ‘chadonha’, ‘feja-feja’, rape, domestic violence, unlawful entry and theft, fraud and other offences of concern,” he said.

“These crimes have devastating social and emotional consequences on individuals, families and the nation at large.”

Statistics presented by Comm Chizemo show that unlawful entry into premises declined from 1 489 cases to 1 329, representing an 11 percent reduction, while murder dropped from 39 to 35 cases.
The province also recorded a significant reduction in theft cases, which fell by 20 percent from 3 149 to 2 510, while assault cases declined by 31 percent from 1 477 to 1 015.
Adult rape cases also dropped slightly from 62 to 58, while stock theft declined by 36 percent from 142 to 91 cases.

Armed robbery involving firearms fell by 54 percent from 76 to 35 cases, while other armed robberies decreased by 32 percent from 488 to 331. Plain robberies also recorded a marginal decline from 300 to 290 cases.

However, Comm Chizemo expressed concern over several offences that continue to rise sharply.
Most worrying, he said, was the 56 percent increase in rape cases involving juveniles, which rose from 62 to 97 cases.

“The increase in child rape cases is deeply worrying. These are crimes that destroy lives and rob children of their future. Parents, guardians, schools, churches and communities must all play a role in protecting our children,” he said.

Domestic violence also surged by 78 percent, from 538 cases to 958 during the same period.
“Domestic violence continues to tear families apart. We urge members of the public to resolve disputes peacefully and seek assistance before conflicts escalate into violence,” said Comm Chizemo.

Fraud cases, on the other hand, increased by 22 percent from 393 to 479, while theft of motor vehicles almost doubled, rising by 95 percent from 37 to 72 cases. Theft from motor vehicles also increased by 16 percent from 380 to 439.

Comm Chizemo warned that drug and substance abuse remains one of the major drivers of crime, particularly among young people.
“Drug and substance abuse continues to destroy the future of many young people, fuel violent crime and weaken family values. We continue to witness youths engaging in alcohol bingeing, drug abuse and risky sexual behaviour during so-called ‘Vuzu parties’. This is a trend that communities must confront collectively,” he said.

Comm Chizemo said stock theft continued to threaten farmers’ livelihoods and food security despite the reduction in reported cases.

“Stock theft deprives farmers and livestock owners of their livelihoods, negatively affecting food security and economic development,” he said.
Comm Chizemo reiterated that policing alone could not eliminate crime without active public participation.

“As the Zimbabwe Republic Police, we firmly believe that crime prevention is everyone’s responsibility. Through awareness, education and cooperation between the police, churches, schools, parents and communities, we can reduce crime and create a peaceful environment where everyone can live, learn and work safely,” said Comm Chizemo.
On road safety, the provincial police chief revealed that Bulawayo recorded 2 596 traffic accidents between January and June this year, resulting in 60 deaths and 431 injuries.

“Of concern is the issue of pedestrians crossing roads without proper lookout and jaywalking. I call upon communities to exercise extreme caution on our roads so that together we can reduce unnecessary loss of life,” he said.

Comm Chizemo urged residents to actively participate in crime awareness initiatives and continue sharing information with police.

“I encourage everyone gathered here to ask questions, share experiences and take the knowledge acquired today back to your homes, churches, schools and communities. Together, we can build a safer Zimbabwe,” he said.