Zimbabwe crime rate goes down by 14%

The Zimbabwe Republic Police has revealed that the crime rate has gone done by 14% this year compared to cases reported from January to May last year.

Police Commissioner General Augustine Chihuri, who was speaking during the graduation ceremony of 403 police officers at Morris Depot in Harare, said although the crime rate has gone down it is disturbing that cases of rape involving juveniles have increased.

"I wish to point out that crime in general went down by 14% from 168 687 cases reported between January and May 2013 to 144 491 cases recorded during the same period in 2014.

"It is however disturbing to note that cases of rape involving juveniles increased as 1 494 cases were recorded between January and May 2014 compared to 1 384 cases received during the same period last year," said Commissioner General Chihuri.

Commissioner Chihuri also lashed out at the men and women of cloth who have turned out to be perpetrators of violence.

"This contradiction is not only deplorable but shameful, ungodly and loathsome. The attack on police officers carrying out their constitutional duties is the height of delinquent behaviour which should never find any breeding space in our country and is thus roundly condemned," he added.

403 police officers comprising 278 males and 125 females have graduated.

There has been a sharp increase in the number of female police officers joining the police force compared to previous years.