Staff reporter
Domestic violence and theft now account for nearly half of all criminal cases processed in Harare, according to recent data from the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ).
The alarming statistics, shared on the NPAZ’s official X account, highlight the growing prevalence of these crimes in the capital and surrounding areas.
In the second quarter of this year alone, over 600 cases of domestic violence were brought before the courts in Harare, Mbare, Chitungwiza, Norton, and Epworth. Of these, 471 cases have been completed, reflecting the judiciary's ongoing efforts to address this pervasive issue. The surge in domestic violence cases underscores a troubling trend that has become a focal point for legal authorities.
Theft, another major concern, saw 599 cases brought before Harare’s various courts, with 507 successfully concluded. This high number of theft cases, coupled with the significant volume of domestic violence incidents, suggests a worrying rise in both property crimes and crimes within households.
Violent crimes such as armed robbery, rape, and murder also present significant challenges for the city’s legal system. Over 500 cases involving these serious offenses were processed during the same period, further straining the resources of law enforcement and judicial institutions.
In total, more than 3,000 criminal cases were handled by the courts in Harare during the second quarter of the year. Remarkably, over 2,000 of these cases have been completed, marking a significant achievement for the NPAZ.
This efficiency is partly due to the authority's recent measures to streamline court procedures, minimizing postponements and ensuring that justice is delivered more swiftly.
As the NPAZ continues its efforts to curb crime, the data highlights the urgent need for increased resources and preventive measures to address the root causes of domestic violence and theft in Harare. With the city facing a surge in these and other serious crimes, the focus now turns to bolstering community safety and supporting victims as part of a broader strategy to reduce crime rates across the capital.
