News / National
Bulawayo tops crime charts amid surge in daylight robberies
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Bulawayo residents have raised alarm over a growing wave of daylight robberies, as new crime statistics reveal the city now leads the country in reported criminal activity.
Victims and eyewitnesses say the robbers, often operating in broad daylight, are becoming increasingly brazen. Several reports indicate the use of a Honda Fit vehicle by suspects to lure unsuspecting victims before robbing them.
One victim, Larry Khumalo, shared his ordeal at the hands of robbers who approached him under the pretense of needing directions.
"They asked me for directions from Magwegwe terminus to Umqolo Street and offered to give me US$5 if I accompanied them," Khumalo recounted. "I refused, and that's when they pulled out a knife and demanded my phone and cash."
Another resident, Jo-Marie from Magwegwe, said robberies have become common and people no longer feel safe, even during the day.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the rise in criminal incidents and urged residents to remain vigilant.
"We appreciate the level of participation in the fight against crime by the public, which creates a difficult environment for criminals to thrive," Msebele said. "We also urge residents to avoid using bushy paths, especially when walking alone during the day or late hours."
The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) recently named Bulawayo the country's crime capital. According to the latest report covering July to September last year, the city recorded an alarming 2,506.1 crimes per 100,000 people - nearly double the national average of 1,356.6 per 100,000.
Nationwide, ZimStat recorded 205,925 criminal offences in the quarter, representing a 4.6% increase from the previous quarter's 196,796 cases.
Residents are calling for increased police patrols, surveillance systems, and quicker responses to criminal reports to restore public confidence and safety in Zimbabwe's second-largest city.
Victims and eyewitnesses say the robbers, often operating in broad daylight, are becoming increasingly brazen. Several reports indicate the use of a Honda Fit vehicle by suspects to lure unsuspecting victims before robbing them.
One victim, Larry Khumalo, shared his ordeal at the hands of robbers who approached him under the pretense of needing directions.
"They asked me for directions from Magwegwe terminus to Umqolo Street and offered to give me US$5 if I accompanied them," Khumalo recounted. "I refused, and that's when they pulled out a knife and demanded my phone and cash."
Another resident, Jo-Marie from Magwegwe, said robberies have become common and people no longer feel safe, even during the day.
"We appreciate the level of participation in the fight against crime by the public, which creates a difficult environment for criminals to thrive," Msebele said. "We also urge residents to avoid using bushy paths, especially when walking alone during the day or late hours."
The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) recently named Bulawayo the country's crime capital. According to the latest report covering July to September last year, the city recorded an alarming 2,506.1 crimes per 100,000 people - nearly double the national average of 1,356.6 per 100,000.
Nationwide, ZimStat recorded 205,925 criminal offences in the quarter, representing a 4.6% increase from the previous quarter's 196,796 cases.
Residents are calling for increased police patrols, surveillance systems, and quicker responses to criminal reports to restore public confidence and safety in Zimbabwe's second-largest city.
Source - newsday
