Following the attainment of political independence after World War II, the nations of Africa embarked upon economic and industrial development programs to improve the living standards of their people. While independence brought political autonomy, economic independence is yet to be realized. The countries' social, political and economic problems combine to bring about sociocultural dislocations and institutional asymmetries that also generate crime. This study of crime patterns and trends in Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania and Zambia showed that minor theft was the most frequently committed offense. Zambia had the highest rate of minor thefts while Kenya had the lowest. Major theft was the second most common offense. A ranking of mean major larceny rates in the four countries from the highest to the lowest rates is Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania and Kenya. The article attributes crime to worsening economic conditions and the declining significance of the extended family system. Tables, figures, notes, references