Zimbabweans now live in constant fear of being robbed or mugged - in the streets or at their homes

Valentine Maponga:

HIGH levels of unemployment, mounting poverty and the ever-rising cost of living have led to a sharp increase in cases of armed robberies and car-jackings because more desperate people are turning to crime for survival, The Standard has established.

Zimbabweans now live in constant fear of being robbed or mugged - in the streets or at their homes. Police statistics show that crime is on an upward trend in Harare. For example in February last year, police recorded 44 cases of armed robbery compared to 109 cases recorded the same month this year.

"Robbers target vehicles, the latest models and electrical gadgets when they break into houses. They want the gadgets because they have a ready market," said police spokesperson Inspector Jessie Banda.

Recent reports indicate increasing use of firearms by criminals in attacks on suburban homes and motorists. Last week three armed robbers from Epworth were arrested after raiding a store and a home in Mazowe.

Police last month shot dead three armed robbers and arrested three others in Hatfield following a tip-off. The robbers are suspected to have committed a series of armed robberies around the country.

Reports show that the crimes are committed in an almost similar manner where a group of young men, armed with either pistols or revolvers, pounce on victims before taking away cash and other valuables.

In other cases, the muggings involve a group of young men who surround and overwhelm their victim in a public area before escaping with valuables.

Thieves target cash and cellphones, which have a ready market in Harare, where latest phones with cameras, videos and other extras can fetch as much as $200 million.

Several people who spoke to The Standard blamed the police's inactivity over the increased crime rate in the city.

"At times it happens in the presence of the police and they just seem not to care," said Fidelis Mataranyika of Highfield. "It's very rare to see them arrest some of these criminals. From all these reports, it seems like armed robbery is becoming a career for many people."

Stella Katerera of Hatfield, who was almost robbed of her handbag, last week said it was dangerous to walk alone during evenings.

"These days you can't go for more than a week without receiving reports of armed robberies," said Katerera. "It is very frightening. One wonders where these criminals get all these guns."

Social commentators attributed the rise in crime to high rates of unemployment and deteriorating economic conditions. Professor Gordon Chavunduka said the rise in crime was due to the general economic meltdown and the breakdown of the rule of law.

"Because of the breakdown of law and order in this country, people no longer fear to commit crimes. The answer to all these ills of the society should come from those in power â-oe but here it is very unlikely," said Chavunduka.

Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, in response to the ever-rising criminal cases, recently donated a toll-free line to enable members of the public to make urgent reports to the police.

Econet's Corporate Communications Manager, Dakarayi Matanga, said the donation was a direct response to an appeal for assistance made by the police in Harare.

"The rate at which crimes are being committed daily raises the possibility that the average criminal is likely to get away with their offences," he said. "A major reason for this is that witnesses do not report these incidents to the police. By assisting the ZRP with equipment for a toll free line, we make it easier for the public to report crime."

A nation of millionaires who can't afford to buy anything