Crime in Zambia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Zambia | |
|---|---|
| Crime rates* (2023) | |
| Violent crimes | |
| Homicide | 2.2 |
| Rape | 22 |
| Robbery | 13.1 |
| Aggravated assault | 62.1 |
| Total violent crime | 55.9 |
| Property crimes | |
| Burglary | 201.8 |
| Motor vehicle theft | 23.3 |
| Arson | 11.6 |
| Total property crime | 225.9 |
Notes *Number of reported crimes per 100,000 population. Estimated total population: 20,216,029.[1] | |
Crime in Zambia has been on high level since pre-colonial times.[2] However, after the country gained independence in the 1960s, the government-imposed laws against crime were in effect.[3][4][5]
Pre-colonial period
Various kingdoms and empires with their own systems of governance and justice existed in Zambia during the pre-colonial era.[6] Nevertheless, criminal activities occasionally took place. King Kazembe VII is best known for engaging in slavery and serial killings at Kazembe Kingdom.[6] The Mukuni people were also known to engage in raids and plundering of neighboring tribes, with Chief Mukuni being a notable leader in these attacks.[7]
Slave trade and human sacrifices
During the period between 1550 and 1890, there was a reputation of cruelty when it came to slavery along with human sacrifices in Kazembe Kingdom. King Kazembe VII who lived between 1780 until his assassination between 1780 and 1800 has been named as one of his key accomplices in this defilement.[6] His infamous misdeeds were among others trafficking captured individuals as well as their sale from 1780 through1795 especially from neighboring tribes and countries in the form of slavery. He practiced human sacrifices on a large scale, with estimates suggesting that over 1,000 people were sacrificed during his reign that span from 1785 to 1790.[6]
He was also involved in massacres where he ordered the massacre of entire villages and tribes that refused to submit to his rule or pay tribute from 1782 to 1792. He was also known for his cruel methods of punishment, including torture, mutilation, and dismemberment and numerous raids on neighboring tribes and kingdoms, plundering their resources and wealth.
Raids and plundering
The Mukuni people (1600–1850) were known to engage in raids and plundering of neighboring tribes, with Chief Mukuni (1750–1780) being a notable leader in these attacks. The Ngoni people (1820–1900) were also infamous for their cattle rustling and raids on neighboring tribes, with Chief Zwangendaba (1820–1848) leading many of these attacks.
Witchcraft and sorcery
Many pre-colonial societies in Zambia believed in witchcraft and sorcery, with accused witches being punished or killed, often without trial. The Bemba people (1600–1900) were known to practice witchcraft and sorcery, with notable practitioners such as Chief Nondo (1750–1780).
Tribal wars
Pre-colonial Zambia was characterized by frequent tribal wars over land, resources, and power. The Lozi people (1800–1900) fought numerous wars with neighboring tribes, including the Kololo people (1840–1864), led by Chief Sebetwane.
Colonial era
In the colonial period, Zambia was ruled by the British, and there was a high incidence of crime among the British colonial officials and settlers. The scandal “Land Grab” involved British colonial officials as well as settlers who took over some lands from local communities without any authorization from the two countries’ constitutions followed by displacing thousands. In this scandal governor Hubert Winthrop Young played a major role with another colonial administrator Robert Codrington. The colonial era also saw the exploitation of Zambia's natural resources, with companies such as the British South Africa Company engaging in illegal mining and trading activities.
Current era
In the current era, crime remains a significant challenge in Zambia. High-profile cases include the "Cashgate" scandal, where millions of dollars were embezzled from the government treasury, implicating officials such as former President Rupiah Banda and Minister of Finance Situmbeko Musokotwane. The "Fertilizer Scandal" saw a corrupt tendering process lead to the awarding of a contract to a company linked to then-Minister of Agriculture Given Lubinda. Other notable crimes include drug trafficking, with convicted drug lord William Harrington, and murder, with notorious criminal Kabwe Kasongo.
