Crime in Botswana — 2024
Botswana recorded 146,529 criminal offences in 2024 — a 8.2% decline from 2023, the second consecutive annual decline from the 2022 peak. This report presents a full analysis of national trends, geographic distribution, and serious offences.
Data Vintage: 2024 — the Latest Official Statistics Available
The Annual Crime Statistics Report 2024 is the most recent crime statistics release by the Botswana Police Service. The 2025 statistics report has not yet been published — this dashboard will be updated within weeks of its official release. See the Methodology page for the full update cycle.
Crime Declined 8.2% in 2024
Total offences fell to 146,529 — the second consecutive annual decline from the 2022 peak of 173,140.
Murder Up 4.7% — Fourth Consecutive Year
337 murders recorded in 2024. The only major offence category trending consistently upward since 2020.
One Third of Crime in Two Districts
Mogoditshane (17.7%) and Gaborone (15.6%) together account for 33.3% of all recorded crime nationally.
Ages 16-20 Most at Risk
The 16-20 age group accounts for 27% of all serious crime victims — the highest of any age group nationally.
Crime Trends in Botswana
The Penal Code is Botswana's official rulebook that clearly explains what actions are considered crimes against people, property, or the public. It also states the exact punishments people will face if they break these laws to keep the country safe and fair
Key Findings
Below Pre-Pandemic Levels
At 146,529 offences, 2024 crime is 8.7% below the 2019 pre-pandemic baseline of 160,517.
Penal Code Decline
Penal Code offences fell 10.6% in 2024 (120,582 → 107,757), driving the overall decline.
Second Consecutive Decline
Crime has now declined for two consecutive years.
Post-Pandemic Stabilisation
The surge observed after COVID disruptions appears to be easing.
Crime Distribution by Police District
2024Urban districts continue to dominate Botswana's crime landscape, accounting for 33.3% of all offences. 13 of 17 districts recorded fewer offences in 2024 vs 2023; Kanye, Lobatse, Shakawe and Kasane were the 4 that increased.
Composition of Penal Code Offences
2024Key Insight
Property crime remains the dominant category, accounting for approximately half of all Penal Code offences recorded nationally.
Botswana Is Becoming Safer — But Not In Every Category
Botswana recorded broad improvements across most major crime indicators in 2024. National crime declined, serious offences fell, most districts improved, and key development indicators showed positive movement. However, the continued rise in murder remains a significant warning signal and suggests that violent crime requires targeted intervention.
Murder has risen every year since 2020 from
221 to 337 cases and is now at its highest
recorded level. This is not a spike; it is a trend.
Botswana Police Service should prioritise
homicide investigation capacity, domestic violence
early intervention, and community conflict
mediation in high-risk areas.
Property crime reductions show that targeted policing works that same resourcing discipline must now shift
toward violent crime.
Kanye, Lobatse, Shakawe, and Kasane require dedicated district-level reviews before the 2025 planning cycle closes.