ZIMBABWE experienced a sharp rise in crime during the last quarter of 2025, as cases climbed 12,1% compared to the previous quarter, latest data from the Zimbabwe National Statistical Agency (ZimStat) shows, with experts linking the spike to growing economic pressures.
The surge highlights deepening social and economic strains across the country, with theft, assault and drug-related offences threatening personal safety, straining families and burdening law enforcement. Rising crime not only disrupts daily life but also underscores the urgent need for evidence-based policies and interventions to protect communities.
The spike follows a 3,5% rise in the second quarter of 2025, when reported criminal cases rose to 321 640 from 310 876 in the previous quarter. The figures are based on data from the Zimbabwe Republic Police Crime Report and Disposal System.
The most reported crimes are theft, 37 680, followed by assault and threats, with a total of 29 975 and drug offences which stood at 11 926. Males accounted for the bulk of offenders.
“The police recorded 426 946 offences from October to December 2025, a 12,1% increase from 380 727 in the third quarter of 2025.
“In total, 367 557 persons were charged with criminal offences, with males accounting for 88% of the total. The overall charge rate was 2 421, 5 per 100 000 population, up from 2 136,4 recorded in the third quarter of 2025. The rate for males (4 438,7 per 100 000) was nearly eight times higher than that for females (557,8 per 100 000),” the report read.
The report further indicated that crime levels varied across provinces, with Harare recording the highest vulnerability rate.
“In Harare, Bulawayo, Masvingo and Matabeleland South policing provinces, crime rates exceeded the national average. Harare recorded the highest vulnerability, with a crime rate of 6 195,3 per 100 000 population — more than double the national average of 2 812,7,” the report read.
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Meanwhile, a separate report published by the agency titled, 2025 Fourth Quarter Prison Admissions and Discharges, showed that most offenders fell within the 20 to 29 age range, with incarceration rates declining with age.
“Among both male and female admissions, the 25-29 age category constitutes the largest proportion, followed closely by the 20-24 age group.
“Beyond this peak, admission numbers decline steadily with increasing age for both sexes, indicating a clear downward trend in incarceration among older populations,” the report read.
ZimStat also indicated that theft, assaults, unlawful acts involving controlled drugs or precursors, burglary and robbery (without a firearm) were the most frequent crimes for prisoners.
“This pattern was observed among both male and female new prisoners. Males aged 65 years and above were imprisoned mostly for rape and assault,” the report read.
ZimStat director-general Tafadzwa Bandama said crime statistics played a significant role in shaping policies and planning in the criminal justice system.
“The Zimbabwean community has, of late, experienced more incidents of crime that include theft, robbery, sexual offences, drug-related crimes and murder.
“Such vices leave society entangled in emotional, psychological and physical damage. Acts of crime may result in tensions within families, financial losses, expenditures on private security measures, mental disorders and loss of life.
“Crime statistics reveal trends in criminal activities, enabling policymakers, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to develop evidence-based strategic interventions to curb the rise in crime rates,” she said.
