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In 2007, Zimbabwe’s crime rate declined significantly and this was credited to a successful operation by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to recover various firearms and other lethal weapons, which had been used in armed robberies and murder.
Generally, the majority of crimes in Zimbabwe have been non-violent, although, perpetrators are known to carry weapons, including firearms, to instil fear in their victims.
But these purse-snatchers, cell phone thieves, and smash and grab petty lawbreakers have suddenly become hardened and hard-core criminals causing untold suffering in communities and keeping law enforcement on its toes.
This new crop of criminal is not afraid to spill blood even that of police officers. Murder, rape, armed robbery, carjacking, home invasion and property theft have suddenly become everyday crimes.
What could be fuelling Zimbabwe’s rise in violent crime? Where have these bloodthirsty criminals emerged from? Do people still have confidence in Zimbabwe’s police force? Is private security the way to go? Are the police equipped to deal with these sophisticated criminals? Is Zimbabwe becoming a haven for violent criminals? Is the coronavirus pandemic to blame for the spike in violent crime?
No week passes by without reports of a movie-style gunfire exchange of armed robber(s) with law enforcers or a high-profile robbery involving hundreds of thousands of United States dollars. What is really taking place? Where do they get the guts?
Some analysts believe these criminals are former members of Zimbabwe’s security forces who have either deserted or were laid off for a variety of reasons. Others are of the opinion that these criminals are “trained’ in South Africa where crime is an ever present threat.
Notable Incidents?
A spike in shooting incidents across the country has left the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) searching for answers amid indications that there has been a proliferation of unregistered guns in the country.
Just last week police exchanged gunfire with one daring armed robber who, to shield himself for the law enforcers, took hostages in Beitbridge. He was on the police wanted list for seven suspected armed robberies, two rape cases and an attempted murder.
He was eventually killed in a dramatic shootout with the police’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) troop after a 14-hour stand-off.
A fortnight ago ZANU PF’s DCC elections degenerated into violence and chaos after angry party supporters clashed with anti-riot police at the party’s district headquarters offices in Kwekwe. Why were they so daring to attack those mandated to protect them? The violence was a result of suspected corruption and bribery by the election presiding team led by Rtd Col Dr Kahuni and party’ provincial vice chairperson, Robert Nyathi.
In September two men killed a soldier and injured another one in Chivhu after they stormed a police post. The two, who escaped with two AK-47 rifles, were killed a day later after soldiers were deployed to track them. What were they intending to achieve?
About two weeks ago, two suspected armed robbers believed to be part of a gang that also included an army deserter and an ex-policeman, which had been terrorising residents in and around Belvedere in Harare, were arrested and appeared in court.
According to the police, last Tuesday alone, violent crimes topped police reports. Seven unknown male adults broke into a house armed with a rifle and iron bars in Chitungwiza and robbed the dwellers of cash US$5 020 and two cell-phones before escaping.
In Beitbridge, a man who had gone for prayers in the bush was approached by five armed robbers, who took his cash ZAR10 000, US$200 and seven cell phones before stripping him of his clothes.
In Harare a man was robbed of his Toyota Hilux Revo vehicle his cell phone and two laptops by three male adults driving a grey Honda Fit in Eastlea area. They were armed with pistols.
That same day a man boarded an unregistered silver Toyota Axio in Harare intending to go to Bindura. The vehicle had three occupants who then robbed the man of his cash, laptop, cell phones and two satchels.
In Kuwadzana, a man boarded an unregistered Nissan Caravan with seven occupants who robbed him of his cash and dumped him in Kuwadzana 4.
The day before, a female adult boarded an unregistered black Toyota Wish in Zengeza 3, Chitungwiza intending to go to Sunningdale at around 10pm. The driver stopped the vehicle and three other occupants on board searched her and stole her cash, two cell phones and clothes at knife point.
A week ago, armed men allegedly stormed former ZANU PF commissar Engelbert Rugeje’s house leading to a deadly shootout that involved soldiers who were guarding the property. One person died during the shootout and another allegedly succumbed to gunshot wounds after he was arrested last week.
Of course, not forgetting the bizarre Murehwa boy murder. The boy was allegedly mercilessly mutilated by his own uncle. His head and hands are still missing. Where are these body parts?
Do Zimbabweans still feel safe in their home? One wonders.
Incapacitated Police Force
The State is equally worried by the growing trend of violent crimes. They are calling for the public to render assistance with regard to bringing violent culprits to book.
Last Friday Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage minister Kazembe Kazembe expressed concern over the issue of violent crimes and pleaded with the public to assist in combating the rise in violent crimes.
“I call upon all peace-loving citizens to play their part in this journey and help fight violent crime,” Kazembe Kazembe cried out.
“With regards to violent crime, the security services have gone a gear up to sharpen the identification, tracing, apprehending and presenting for prosecution of all suspects implicated in violent crime in the country.”
Following these incidents, are Zimbabweans not going to take the law into their own hands, following what appears to be incapacitation of law enforcers? Will the sudden menace not drive the bitter public into becoming the prosecutor, jury, judge and executor?
But, what could be the cause of these shortcomings in Zimbabwe’s police force? Is it the tension caused by the coronavirus lockdown which has greatly affected the informal sector? Are the security forces equipped to deal with these criminals?
It is a fact that the ZRP law enforcement capabilities have deteriorated in recent years due to Zimbabwe’s economic struggles, but the pandemic, successive droughts and corruption in the force have worsened the situation.
Police lack sufficient funding to maintain and operate equipment and/or train and equip personnel, making it hard for the them to respond to emergencies.
Imagine, the police often need to be provided transportation to perform any investigative function, and criminal incidents must be reported in person to the nearest police station. This has made them apathetic towards investigating crime.
Crime rates in Zimbabwe
Level of crime 58.71 Moderate
Crime increasing in the past 3 years 75.82 High
Worries home broken and things stolen 67.25 High
Worries being mugged or robbed 60.00 High
Worries car stolen 48.77 Moderate
Worries things from car stolen 68.72 High
Worries attacked 51.29 Moderate
Worries being insulted 52.94 Moderate
Worries being subject to a physical attack
because of your skin colour,
ethnic origin, gender or religion 39.32 Low
Problem people using or dealing drugs 51.21 Moderate
Problem property crimes such as
vandalism and theft 66.65 High
Problem violent crimes such as assault
and armed robbery 55.87 Moderate
Problem corruption and bribery 91.83 Very High
Safety in Zimbabwe
Safety walking alone during daylight 63.34 High
Safety walking alone during night 33.70 Low
Nhau/Indaba
