Crime in Zambia

Crime patterns in Zambia include break-ins, theft, distraction theft, pickpocketing, bag- and phone-snatching, smash-and-grab incidents, home invasion, robbery, sexual assault, gender-based violence, defilement, trafficking and online scams. Police reports and convictions do not show the full number of offences because unreported crime and regional comparability remain uncertain. In 2024, police records listed 200 reported rape cases with 77 convictions, 1,070 defilement cases with 476 convictions and 6 reported trafficking cases. These figures indicate recorded cases and justice outcomes, not the actual prevalence of crime. The Zambia Police Service operates police stations, police posts, Criminal Investigations and a Cybercrime Unit. Call 991 when a serious offence is in progress, someone faces immediate danger or urgent police intervention is needed. For a non-urgent report, contact the nearest police station or post and provide the precise time and place, a description of what happened, witness details, vehicle registration numbers, serial numbers and other identifying information. Do not alter the scene or clean possible evidence, and do not follow or confront a suspect. A general police reporting fee or a uniform national processing deadline is not established by the available information. The Zambia Police Service also works with Community Services, Neighbourhood Watch Associations and Community Crime Prevention Units. These local groups can support prevention and communication with communities, but they do not replace police investigations or court proceedings. Practical prevention includes avoiding walking alone at night in poorly lit or high-density areas, arranging transport in advance through a hotel or tour operator, locking vehicle doors, keeping windows closed, avoiding hitchhiking and concealing jewellery and other valuables near banks, ATMs and traffic. At home, use sturdy doors and locks, lighting and alarms where suitable, and coordinate sensible checks with trusted neighbours. Do not announce absences publicly online, and verify service workers directly before allowing access. A suspected break-in may involve distractions such as a running water tap at night, loud knocking or an implausible request at the gate. Do not enter a suspected burglary scene; move to safety, contact a neighbour and call 991 without touching or cleaning anything. Gender-based violence, or GBV, means violence connected with gender, including domestic and sexual violence. The free 24-hour 944 helpline can receive reports from victims or witnesses and refer cases to police, medical care, legal aid and shelters. A Victim Support Unit at a police station can provide counselling, coordinate support and handle investigations involving GBV, sexual offences and family crime. Under the Anti-Gender-Based Violence Act No. 1 of 2011, police can use a medical form and arrange transport to a health facility; public facilities provide free treatment and a free medical report within a reasonable period. A court can issue a protection order, and mediation does not prevent investigation or prosecution. After sexual assault, reach a safe place and contact 991 or the nearest Victim Support Unit. Seek medical care promptly. If it is safe to do so, avoid washing, changing clothes or cleaning items before police or hospital examination because these actions can remove evidence. One Stop Centres at major government hospitals can provide counselling and legal advice. The National Prosecution Authority Gender Based Crimes Unit supports prosecution and police guidance, while the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services can arrange places of safety, shelter, food, clothing, protection, psychosocial counselling and reintegration. Organisations such as the Young Women's Christian Association may provide shelter or other support, but they do not conduct official investigations. The Child Protection Unit of the Zambia Police Service assists children who are victims or suspected offenders through awareness work, counselling, investigations and arrests. Schools Liaison services provide school crime awareness and counselling. The Ministry of Community Development and Social Services handles juvenile delinquency, probation, foster care and child-protection services. Reports involving child abuse or defilement can be directed to the Child Protection Unit, Victim Support Unit, 991 or the 944 helpline. The Cyber Crimes Act 2025 also includes child online protection. Online crime includes impersonation, identity theft, phishing, fraud, unauthorised access, cyberbullying and scams. The Cyber Crimes Act 2025 No. 4 and Cyber Security Act 2025 No. 3 have applied since 12 May 2025. The Cyber Security Act established the Zambia Cyber Security Agency and the Zambia Cyber Incident Response Team. In the first half of 2025, police recorded 874 cyber cases and reported losses of K111,036,000; 116 cases were before court and 758 were under investigation. ZICTA records included Facebook hacking and impersonation, WhatsApp hacking and impersonation, and Telegram cases, but the categories and period limit direct comparisons with other datasets. A separate 2023–2024 series recorded 1,124 online scams, losses above K38,948,000 and 117 convictions. For a suspicious mobile number, mobile scam or fraud, use *707#. ZICTA also accepts cyber complaints through its online portal and coordinates with the Zambia Police Service Cybercrime Unit. Preserve screenshots, profile or website URLs, phone and SIM details, payment references, timestamps and messages. Secure affected accounts with two-factor authentication and stop sharing sensitive information through unverified channels. ZICTA's service charter gives a 21-day target for cyber-incident and computer-forensics services and a 21-day complaint-resolution framework; neither timeframe guarantees recovery of money or a particular result. Trafficking cases can involve the Zambia Police Service, the Child Protection Unit, Victim Support Units, the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, Immigration and shelters. The Anti-Human Trafficking Act No. 11 of 2008 provides the legal framework, and the Anti-Human Trafficking Fund can support victims, affected families, shelters, child-care facilities and recognised service providers. Formal help can include protection, case management and reintegration. Victims can seek police investigation, medical care, protection, counselling, legal assistance or shelter depending on the circumstances. Police, courts and government agencies retain official investigative and prosecutorial roles; community groups and NGOs provide prevention, referral or support rather than replacing those functions. In an emergency, preserving life and reaching safety take priority over collecting evidence. The available information confirms free 24-hour access to 944 and free GBV treatment and medical reports at public facilities, but it does not establish a single nationwide victim-compensation scheme or a general cost for court protection-order proceedings.