Zimbabwe Ranked Among Top 10 African Countries With High Crime Rate

POVERTY in Zimbabwe is fuelling criminal activities that have seen the Southern African nation ranked among the Top 10 countries with a high crime rating.

According to Numbeo Crime Index, Zimbabwe is ranked seventh on the continent comparing lowly to crime-riddled South Africa, which came tops.
On the African continent, Nigeria, Angola, Cameroon, Somalia, Namibia are ranked second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth, respectively.

The Rainbow nation is Africa’s most crime-affected country, with a crime index score of 74.7, placing it 5th on the globe while Zimbabwe is ranked 25th globally.

The survey says inequalities and high unemployment are among the leading causes of crime globally, and Africa is no exception. Poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to education create conditions where individuals resort to illegal activities for survival.

The prevalence and types of crimes vary widely across African countries. It was also noted that crime is a universal issue, reflective of societal disparities and struggles, but its manifestations vary across regions.

“In urban centres, particularly in informal settlements, these challenges are acute. Many African cities are grappling with rapid urbanisation, leaving governments struggling to provide adequate housing, sanitation, and security services. This neglect fosters environments where petty theft, burglary, and violent crime thrive,” noted Numbero Crime Index.

South Africa, the most dangerous country to be on the continent and fifth globally, faces pervasive violent crimes such as homicides, robberies, and assaults, exacerbated by unemployment and inadequate law enforcement. Despite efforts to curb crime, such as community policing initiatives and social programmes, many South Africans report feeling unsafe.

Nigeria ranked 11th globally with a crime index score of 66.6, confronts widespread security issues, including organised crime, armed robberies, and kidnappings.

Angola follows closely, ranked 13th globally with a score of 66.3, where both violent and property crimes remain prevalent, particularly in urban areas.

Below are the top 10 African countries with the highest crime index at the start of 2025, according to Numbero Crime Index.

1. South Africa 74.7 (5th globally)

2. Nigeria 66.6 (11th)

3. Angola 66.3 (13th)

4. Cameroon 65.5 (14th)

5. Somalia 63.9 (17th)

6. Namibia 63.5 (19th)

7. Zimbabwe 60.7 (25th)

8. Mozambique 60.1 (28th

9. Ivory Coast 56.4 (35th)

10. Libya 56.4 (36th) *NewZW*