Bulawayo recorded a 10% decline in reported crimes of concern during the first half of 2026, with police attributing the improvement to stronger cooperation between law enforcement and the community.
Speaking at a Crime Awareness Campaign on behalf of Officer Commanding Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Bulawayo Province, Commissioner Jasper Chizemu, Assistant Commissioner Tambudzai Gumpo said 7 739 cases were reported between January and June this year, compared with 8 640 during the same period in 2025.
The reduction of 901 cases represents a 10% decline.
“This achievement is attributable to the cooperation and support the police in Bulawayo is getting from the Bulawayo community,” Asst Comm Gumpo said.
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The campaign brought together officers from Police General Headquarters, church leaders, teachers, parents, schoolchildren and community leaders to promote crime prevention and strengthen partnerships between the police and the public.
Police statistics show several major categories of crime declined during the six-month period.
Theft cases fell by 20%, from 3 149 to 2 510, while assaults dropped by 31%, from 1 477 to 1 015. Cases of unlawful entry declined by 11%, from 1489 to 1329.
Armed robberies involving firearms fell by 54%, from 76 to 35 cases, while robberies committed using other weapons decreased by 32%, from 488 to 331. Stock theft dropped by 36%, from 142 to 91 cases, while murder cases declined from 39 to 35.
Despite the overall reduction in reported crime, police expressed concern over increases in several offences.
Domestic violence recorded the sharpest rise, increasing by 78% from 538 to 958 cases.
Juvenile rape cases rose by 56%, from 62 to 97, while reported fraud increased by 22%, from 393 to 479.
Motor vehicle theft almost doubled, rising by 95% from 37 to 72 cases, while theft from motor vehicles increased by 16%, from 380 to 439.
Gumpo said the awareness campaign was intended to educate communities about offences including drug and substance abuse, robbery, stock theft, rape, domestic violence, unlawful entry, theft and fraud.
“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 the community, we can reduce crime and create a peaceful environment where everyone can live, learn and work safely,” she said.
She also revealed that Bulawayo recorded 2596 road traffic accidents between January and June 2026, resulting in 60 deaths and 431 injuries.
Gumpo urged motorists and pedestrians to observe road safety rules, warning pedestrians against jaywalking and encouraging them to take extra care when crossing roads.
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