Abstract

This study sought to determine the causes of crime upsurge, despite having a positive economic growth in Zimbabwe. Yearly secondary data for the period 2008 to 2018 of armed robbery and economic growth were used. The study adopted mixed method research approach, where sequential explanatory research design was used. Normality test was adopted using the Jarque-Berra Test Technique, before the Correlation Matrix Test Technique was adopted to determine the association between the variables. The study revealed that association between armed robbery cases and economic growth in Zimbabwe is inverse. Basing on the quantitative research approach results, the study adopted qualitative research approach, where interviewing method were used to determine the causes of armed robbery cases in Zimbabwe. The study found that having access to dangerous weapon access to dangerous drugs, unemployment, social economic inequalities, lack of self-control, inadequate support systems non-sound financial system contribute to the commission of armed robbery cases in Zimbabwe. The study recommended that Zimbabwe policy makers, revisit its community policing initiatives, by adopting the latest means of technology to enhance policing of armed robbery cases. Advocating for stiffer penalties on crimes involving laws on possession and use of firearms and other dangerous weapons, that a mandatory custodial sentences for breaching any legislation that governs the possession and use of firearms be introduced, continuous training on police officers on new methods criminals have adopted in the commission of armed robbery cases and drug abuse. Ensuring that a sound financial system exists so as to eliminate the existence of illegal foreign currency dealing, thus enhancing target removal strategies.