Armed robbery cases rise by 4% in Zimbabwe

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has reported a 4% increase in armed robberies between January and August this year, despite an overall decline in robbery cases.

Deputy Police Commissioner for Administration Leny Ncube told the Defence, Security and Home Affairs Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Tuesday that while total robbery cases had fallen by 8% compared to the same period last year, incidents involving firearms  -  the most violent category  -  remain on the rise.

"Our analysis of crime statistics reveals a different picture. We have recorded an overall 8% decrease in total robbery cases. However, there is a concerning 4% increase in the most violent category, robberies committed using firearms," Ncube said.

He warned that resource shortages were hampering the police's response capacity. Of the 9,320 vehicles required for operations, the ZRP has 2,830, but 1,007 are grounded due to breakdowns, leaving just 1,823 in service  -  about 20% of the need.

"While government has over the past years availed operational vehicles, we continue to experience shortages as our ageing fleet is susceptible to breakdowns, hampering rapid response to crime scenes. The sad reality is that we are often outpaced by criminals using high-powered vehicles," Ncube noted.

He also revealed that criminal syndicates were becoming more sophisticated, sometimes involving ex-security service members with advanced skills. These groups, he said, used cloned vehicles, counter-intelligence tactics and modern technology, outpacing police capabilities.

"We lack advanced technology to monitor the movement of sophisticated and transnational criminals. In today's environment, where criminal activity is being propelled by technology, technology-driven policing is no longer a luxury but essential," Ncube said.

To mitigate the rise in armed robberies, police are urging businesses to invest in CCTV and alarm systems, while also pushing for wider adoption of technology-driven security measures.