Decline in Criminal Cases in Zanzibar as Police Enforcement Efforts Bear Fruit

Strategic Insights -

The Zanzibar Police Force has reported a decline in criminal cases during the first half of 2025, attributing the drop to ongoing efforts by the police, including public education campaigns through legal forums and media outlets. Commissioner of Police (CP) Kombo Khamis Kombo presented the security assessment report at Police Headquarters at Kilimani, highlighting the impact of these efforts on community awareness. While there has been a significant increase in traffic offences, the police have taken various legal measures to address the incidents, including successful prosecutions, dismissals, and ongoing investigations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Zanzibar Police Force reported 1,195 criminal cases in the first half of 2025, a decline from 1,652 cases during the same period in 2024.
  • The police attributed the drop in cases to ongoing efforts, including public education campaigns through legal forums and media outlets.
  • There was a significant increase in traffic offences, with 28,740 road accident cases reported from January to June 2025, compared to 16,870 cases during the same period in 2024.
  • The Commissioner of Police revealed that 317 cases were successfully prosecuted in court, while 182 cases were dismissed and 68 cases were dropped at police stations.
  • The Director of Public Prosecutions Office is currently reviewing 38 cases.
  • 21 cases have been referred to the Zanzibar Anti-Drugs Commission, and 210 cases are under investigation.
  • 359 cases are still ongoing in courts at various stages.

Statistics:

  • 1,195 criminal cases were reported in the first half of 2025, a decline from 1,652 cases during the same period in 2024 (Source: Zanzibar Police Force).
  • 28,740 road accident cases were reported from January to June 2025, compared to 16,870 cases during the same period in 2024 (Source: Zanzibar Police Force).
  • 317 cases were successfully prosecuted in court (Source: Zanzibar Police Force).
  • 182 cases were dismissed by the police (Source: Zanzibar Police Force).

Sources:

  • Zanzibar Police Force (Report presented by CP Kombo Khamis Kombo at Police Headquarters at Kilimani on August 6, 2025).
  • Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Daily News.