Rape and domestic violence high in Harare-- police

Rape and domestic violence increased in Harare last year with murder reducing, Officer Commanding Harare province Senior Assistant Commissioner Elias Mvere.

According to Mvere, Harare Suburban District underperformed as crime in general increased by 4 percent, with 23 791 cases being recorded as compared to 22 789 in 2015.

"Cases involving domestic violence also rose by 41 percent as 1 793 cases were recorded in 2016 compared to 1 275 recorded in 2015.

"Similarly, the district recorded an increase in rape (juvenile) by 18 percent, theft of car parts by 112 percent, assault by 17 percent, malicious damage to property by 26 percent and armed robbery (involving firearms) by 3 percent," he said.

Mvere said the district managed to reduce some of the crimes of concern such as murder by 26 percent, unlawful entry (2 percent), plain robbery (78 percent), theft from motor vehicles (53 percent), theft (3 percent) and rape involving adults (18 percent).