Zanzibar Sees Sharp Rise in Road Traffic Offenses, Criminal Cases Decline
Zanzibar has reported a significant 70.4 percent surge in road traffic offenses during the first half of 2025, while simultaneously experiencing a notable decline in major criminal offenses.
Police statistics reveal that traffic-related violations increased to 28,740 between January and June 2025, up from 16,870 in the same period last year. This represents an increase of 11,870 cases, highlighting growing challenges in road safety.
Road accident fatalities remained consistent at 96, with 150 people sustaining injuries. North Unguja and Urban West regions recorded the highest number of traffic incidents.
Authorities attribute the rise in traffic offenses to driver negligence and disregard for road safety regulations. In June alone, 187 driving licenses were permanently revoked—162 for motorcycle riders and 25 for vehicle drivers—due to serious traffic violations.
Transport sector stakeholders have criticized inconsistent law enforcement, pointing out that traffic officers primarily focus on passenger overloads while overlooking critical safety issues like vehicle mechanical conditions and speeding.
Simultaneously, major criminal offenses dropped by 27.7 percent, decreasing from 1,652 cases in 2024 to 1,195 in 2025. Crimes against persons fell by 33.1 percent, with rape cases reducing from 34 to 26.
The police credit this reduction to intensified public awareness campaigns and community education about criminal consequences. Property-related crimes also declined, with burglary cases dropping 35.5 percent from 439 to 283.
As road infrastructure development continues, with ongoing construction of urban and rural roads, authorities emphasize the need for improved safety measures and consistent enforcement of traffic regulations.
