Zambia Sees 4.2% Rise in Crime, Lusaka Province Hit Hardest

Zambia has witnessed a worrying surge in criminal activity in the first quarter of 2024, with the Zambia Police Service reporting a total of 18,219 criminal cases nationwide. This represents a 4.2% increase compared to the 17,486 cases recorded during the same period in 2023.

Why this matters: The rising crime rate in Zambia has significant implications for the country's economic development and social stability, as it can lead to a decline in investor confidence and a sense of insecurity among citizens. If left unchecked, this trend could also lead to an increase in vigilantism and mob justice, further destabilizing the country.

Lusaka province has emerged as the crime hotspot, accounting for a staggering 30.25% of the total cases with 5,512 incidents. Copperbelt province follows with 2,753 cases, while Southern province recorded 1,931 cases. Eastern Province had 1,596 cases, North Western 1,341, Western 1,155, Luapula 1,108, Central Province 1,106, Northern 680, Muchinga 609, and Tazara 406.

Law enforcement agencies made 9,354 arrests during this period, a slight decrease from the 9,674 arrests in 2023. Murder cases were highest in Copperbelt with 34 incidents, followed by Lusaka (28) and Southern (26). Lusaka had the most aggravated robberies at 60, with Muchinga and Copperbelt reporting 33 and 28 cases respectively. Vehicle theft was also prevalent in Lusaka (33), Copperbelt (20), and Eastern (15). Southern Province led in stock theft with 155 cases, while Lusaka and Eastern saw the most arson incidents with 13 and 12 cases each.

The total value of property stolen in Q1 2024 amounted to a staggering K288,468,980, a significant increase from the K113,952,457 stolen in 2023. Authorities managed to recover property worth K21,572,427, down from K30,762,016 recovered in the first quarter of 2023. The value of property damaged also rose to K2,893,276 from K2,520,610 in the previous year.

This alarming rise in criminal activity, particularly in Lusaka, highlights the urgent need for enhanced law enforcement measures and crime prevention strategies. As Zambia grapples with this surge in crime, authorities must work closely with communities to address the underlying factors contributing to this worrying trend and ensure the safety and security ofall citizens.