Drought Fuels crime rates in Midlands
By Memory Mudzani
Zimbabwe is contending with intense food shortages following the drought that has devastated crops during the region’s peak agricultural season from October 2023 to March 2024 and this has resulted in an increase in crime rates in the provinces of Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe citizens from midlands province are saying that because of drought and high inflation rates in the country, they are now living in fear of being attacked by robbers though the police are trying hard to minimizing crime rates in the province.
In an interview with Melusi khumalo from Amaveni kwekwe, he told this publication that because of drought experienced this year prices of basic commodities has increased where a bucket of maize cost USD$10 and a 10KG of mealie-meal cost USD$7 resulting in some families failing to feed their children.
Khumalo further said that young teenagers are now forced to drop out of school and start hustling so that they can help in bringing food on the table, he also give examples of how teen boys from the age of 14 are doing artisanal mining in Amaveni after dropping out of school and they end up joining notorious gangs who are well known for partaking in criminal activities hence causing an increase in robbers.
Mrs Banda a widow from Torwood also told this publication that high cost of basic commodities and drought has also triggered an increase in crime rates in Redcliff and them now living in terror because of thieves who are terrorizing their community.
Banda also said that people from the nearby plots are also attacking residents in her community so that they can earn ends meet.
Frank who is a member of neighborhood watch in Torwood said with the help of the police they are working hard to minimize crime rates in their communities though there are some thugs who are stealing during the day
