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Crime in Tanzania has decreased by 10% according to new statistics from the Tanzania Prisons Service. The total number of inmates fell from 26,596 in 2024 to 23,940 in 2025. Despite this overall decline, certain regions still report higher crime rates, with theft being the most common offense. The report emphasizes the importance of data in enhancing institutional performance and public trust in a
Africa-Press – Tanzania. CRIME in the country has declined by 10 per cent, according to new statistics released by the Tanzania Prisons Service, pointing to an overall reduction in the number of inmates across the country.
Data presented in Dodoma shows that the total number of inmates fell to 23,940 in 2025, down from 26,596 recorded in 2024.
Head of Research and Statistics and Deputy Commissioner of Prisons (DCP), Justine Kaziulaya, said the figures reflect a nationwide drop in crime, although some regions continue to record higher numbers of offenders.
Dar es Salaam led with 2,252 offenders, equivalent to 9.4 per cent, followed by Dodoma with 1,665 (7.0 per cent) and Kagera with 1,621 (6.7 per cent).
Regions with the lowest number of offenders included Simiyu (2.2 per cent), Njombe (1.2 per cent) and Lindi (1.5 per cent). The data further shows that men accounted for Continued from Page 1 97 per cent of inmates in 2025, while women made up three per cent.
The most common offences were theft, with 3,583 cases (18.2 per cent), followed by illegal entry into the country at 2,195 cases (11.2 per cent) and rape at 1,462 cases (7.4 per cent).
Offences with the fewest inmates included corruption (2 cases), piracy (6 cases) and money laundering (6 cases).
Mr Kaziulaya said that in 2025, a total of 128,365 offenders were received from courts, including 27,399 convicted prisoners and 100,966 remanded, compared to 121,768 offenders in 2024.
During the same period, 27,171 prisoners and 57,426 remanded were released, up from 26,519 prisoners and 55,444 remanded in the previous year.
The number of remanded sentenced while in custody dropped significantly to 4,180 in 2025 from 7,155 in 2024, a decrease of 41.6 per cent.
In a speech by Commissioner General of Prisons, Jeremiah Katungu, read on his behalf by Commissioner for Legal and Operations Nicodemus Tenga, the importance of data-driven decision-making in improving institutional performance was emphasised.
He said proper use of statistics enhances institutional efficiency, strengthens coordination and supports better planning to achieve organisational goals.
It also facilitates research and analysis, enabling authorities to monitor trends, assess compliance with laws and policies and track performance.
“Accountability is strengthened as transparency improves, ultimately building public trust in the criminal justice system,” he said.
He added that efforts to improve data collection and management continue to advance over time.
Tanzania has faced various challenges regarding crime and incarceration rates over the years. The government has implemented several reforms aimed at improving the criminal justice system and reducing recidivism. Recent statistics indicate a positive trend in crime reduction, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance law enforcement and community safety. The focus on data-driven decision-making is crucial for addressing crime effectively and ensuring transparency within the justice system. Historical patterns of crime in Tanzania have often been linked to socio-economic factors, making comprehensive strategies essential for long-term improvements.
