Zimbabwe recorded at least 13 838 cases of sexual offences and aggravated domestic violence in 2023, according to the latest figures from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPAZ).
That translates to more than 1 150 cases every month — or almost 40 reports a day underscoring the scale of abuse faced by women, children and families across the country.
Of the total cases, 7 810 were linked to sexual crimes such as rape, attempted rape, indecent assault and sexual activity with minors. A further 6 028 were classified as aggravated domestic violence.
Provincial Breakdown
• Midlands recorded the highest burden with 1 873 cases, including 832 domestic violence incidents and 583 rapes. Convictions reached 1 625.
• Mashonaland West followed closely with 2 114 cases, more than half of which were domestic violence.
• Harare North carried one of the heaviest urban loads with 1 400 cases, dominated by domestic violence (563) and rape (470).
• Manicaland registered 1 419 cases, while Bulawayo reported 1 571, the majority being domestic violence.
• Masvingo also faced a high tally with 1 589 cases.
Conviction rates varied, with provinces like Manicaland (1 323 convictions from 1 419 cases) performing strongly, while others such as Bulawayo saw hundreds of cases withdrawn before plea or still pending.
“Sexual assault against young persons is a serious offence. Communities must ensure the safety of children at all times,” the NPA said in a statement.
On domestic violence, the authority stressed: “Domestic violence is a criminal offence, and the courts will act firmly to protect victims and uphold the law. Domestic violence destroys families and communities.”
Police welcomed the convictions, vowing to arrest perpetrators “without fear or favour.”
