As a development practitioner, I have come to believe that crime is not simply a matter of people choosing to do wrong.
While individuals must always be held accountable for their actions, we cannot ignore the social, economic, cultural and developmental realities that shape behaviour in our communities. When crime increases, it is often a warning sign that deeper development challenges are not being adequately addressed.
Today, many communities across Zimbabwe are experiencing rising cases of theft, robbery, fraud, drug abuse, domestic violence, murder, corruption, cybercrime and other forms of criminal activity.
These issues are affecting families, businesses, institutions and entire communities.
The question that troubles me is this: What kind of society are we creating when crime becomes one of the fastest-growing industries while legitimate opportunities continue to shrink?
I strongly believe that unemployment is one of the biggest drivers of crime. Every year, thousands of young people complete secondary school, college and university with hopes of finding employment and building better futures. Unfortunately, many find themselves trapped in an economy struggling to absorb them.
The closure of industries, declining manufacturing capacity and limited investment opportunities have left many people without stable sources of income.
When factories close, jobs disappear.
When industries fail to grow, opportunities become scarce. And when opportunities become scarce, frustration begins to grow.
Development practitioners understand that unemployment is not merely an economic statistic. It affects people’s dignity, mental health, family stability and sense of purpose. A young person who remains unemployed for years may begin to lose hope.
Some become vulnerable to drug abuse, criminal networks and exploitation, while others end up engaging in criminal activities themselves.
This is why industrial development must remain a national priority. Zimbabwe cannot sustainably reduce crime without creating meaningful economic opportunities.
We need industries that create jobs, investments that stimulate production, support for small businesses and vocational training centres that equip young people with practical skills.
Most importantly, we need development policies that place employment creation at the centre of economic planning.
A nation cannot arrest its way out of unemployment. It must develop its way out of unemployment.
Another issue requiring urgent attention is the growing mental health crisis.
Many people are silently carrying emotional burdens caused by unemployment, poverty, family conflict, debt, trauma and social pressures. Yet access to professional counselling and therapy remains limited for many citizens.
In Zimbabwe and across much of Africa, mental health services are often expensive and inaccessible to ordinary people. However, unresolved emotional pain can contribute to aggression, violence, substance abuse and other destructive behaviours.
When people are overwhelmed by stress and lack healthy coping mechanisms, communities begin to suffer.
Governments must invest more resources into mental health services. More therapists, counsellors, psychologists and social workers are needed in communities, schools, hospitals, workplaces and local institutions. Mental health support should not be viewed as a luxury for the privileged, but as an essential public service.
Many crimes committed today involve individuals struggling with untreated trauma, addiction or psychological distress. Prevention therefore requires both social and emotional support systems.
The family institution also plays a critical role. Many communities are experiencing increasing family breakdowns due to economic hardship, migration, domestic conflicts and changing social dynamics. Families that once provided guidance, mentorship and discipline are now under immense pressure.
Communities once collectively raised children, with elders, neighbours, teachers, churches and traditional leaders all playing a role in shaping responsible citizens. Today, many of these support systems have weakened, leaving some young people without positive role models, mentorship or adequate supervision.
Crime prevention begins long before a crime is committed. It begins with strong families, supportive communities, quality education and positive social values.
One issue that requires courage to discuss is the role that harmful beliefs and exploitative practices can play in fuelling violence. Across Africa, there are instances where individuals seeking wealth, power or protection turn to self-proclaimed spiritual practitioners who exploit fear, desperation and superstition.
While traditional culture and heritage deserve respect, society must distinguish between genuine cultural practices and harmful activities that encourage violence, manipulation and criminal behaviour.
There have been disturbing reports across the continent involving ritual-related crimes, violence linked to superstition and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. In some cases, people have lost their lives because others believed harming another human being would bring wealth or supernatural benefits.
As a society, we must reject any belief system that promotes violence, fear or the devaluation of human life. No form of development can flourish where human dignity is sacrificed in pursuit of personal gain.
Religious institutions also have an important responsibility. Churches, faith leaders and community organisations must continue promoting values of peace, compassion, integrity and respect for life. Spiritual leadership should be a force for healing and unity, not fear and division.
The rise in drug and substance abuse is another major contributor to crime. In many communities, drugs are destroying the potential of young people. Substance abuse weakens judgement, increases aggression and contributes to reckless behaviour. Families are being torn apart, educational opportunities are being lost and communities are becoming less safe.
What is particularly concerning is that drug abuse itself is often linked to unemployment, hopelessness, social exclusion and lack of recreational opportunities. Addressing substance abuse therefore requires more than punishment. It requires prevention, rehabilitation, awareness campaigns and economic empowerment.
Corruption must also be recognised as a serious crime with devastating developmental consequences. While petty crimes often receive public attention, corruption silently steals resources meant for hospitals, schools, roads, water systems and community development projects.
The result is poor service delivery, weakened institutions and growing public frustration. Corruption does not simply affect budgets; it affects lives. Fighting corruption must therefore remain central to sustainable development efforts.
Environmental degradation can also contribute indirectly to crime and social instability. Communities without reliable water, sanitation, waste management systems and other basic services often face additional social pressures. Competition for scarce resources can fuel conflict, while poor living conditions can worsen broader social problems.
Development is interconnected. Health, education, employment, governance, security and environmental sustainability all influence one another. When one area fails, others are affected.
Education remains one of the strongest tools for crime prevention. It empowers individuals to think critically, solve problems, create opportunities and make informed decisions. A well-educated society is generally better equipped to resist criminal influences and contribute positively to national development.
However, education must go beyond academic qualifications. Schools should also focus on values, ethics, citizenship, conflict resolution, entrepreneurship, leadership and life skills. We must produce graduates who are not only employable, but also responsible citizens.
As I reflect on the state of our communities, I remain convinced that crime is ultimately a symptom of broader developmental challenges. It is a mirror reflecting both our successes and failures as a society.
The solution therefore lies not only in stronger policing, but also in stronger development. We need functioning industries, employment opportunities, affordable mental health services, stronger families, ethical leadership, quality education and communities that value human life and dignity.
The future of Zimbabwe depends not only on reducing crime, but on addressing the conditions that allow crime to thrive.
As a development practitioner, I believe true development occurs when people have hope, opportunities, security and dignity. When young people can find work, families can access support, communities are safe and institutions function effectively, crime loses much of its appeal.
The challenge before us is not simply to build a safer nation. The challenge is to build a more just, inclusive and developed society where every citizen has a genuine opportunity to succeed through lawful and productive means.
Only then can we truly say development is working for the people.
*Mitchel Zvingowaniseyi is a development practitioner and a public relations expert