Zimbabwe 2009 Crime & Safety Report
Crime & Safety Report
Sub-Saharan Africa - ZimbabweJuly 24 2009
Overall Crime and Safety Situation
Crime is a serious problem in Zimbabwe and is driven by the country’s deteriorating economy. Thieves act with virtual impunity and little fear of police apprehension. Street crime in Zimbabwe is a serious problem. Americans and other foreigners are perceived to be wealthy and are frequently targeted by criminals who operate in the vicinity of hotels, restaurants, and shopping areas of the major cities and tourist areas such as Victoria Falls. Although the majority of crimes in Zimbabwe are non-violent, perpetrators are generally armed with weapons that can include firearms. The downtown sector of Harare and its high-density residential suburbs are particularly high-crime areas.
Political Violence
The political, social, economic, and security situations in Zimbabwe are volatile and could deteriorate quickly without warning. During the presidential elections in 2008, the Zimbabwe government authorized its security forces to suppress all dissent by whatever means it deemed necessary. In the past year, political leaders at the highest levels of the Zimbabwe government have condoned the security forces’ use of violence against opponents of the government. Despite the formation of a government of national unity on February 11, more than 30 political activists, opposition party officials, and civil society members remain in state custody.
Resident and visiting Americans have been arrested, detained, and threatened with expulsion for activities that would not be considered crimes in the U.S., including expressing opinions regarding the current political regime. Visitors should ensure they have working communication devices and evidence of their citizenship, such as a photocopy of the face page of their passport. They should also notify a trusted business associate or family member of their itinerary and expected arrival and departure times.
The streets around State House, the official residence of the president, and the Botanical Gardens are particularly sensitive. A number of pedestrians and motorists have been assaulted by local security forces when walking or driving in that area. The president and other senior government officials travel within Harare accompanied by large and aggressive motorcades that have been known to run motorists off the road. Security personnel have also been known to beat and harass drivers who fail to yield quickly enough.
American visitors have been detained in the past under suspicion of operating as journalists without accreditation and for photographing cultural sites and areas that may not immediately appear to be sensitive. Visitors may also be subject to harassment or arrest for photographing police, roadblocks, occupied commercial farms, government buildings or military installations, and official residences or embassies. Visitors are encouraged to be very aware of their surroundings before taking any pictures outside game parks and known tourist areas.
Post-specific Concerns
Tourists and visitors are considered lucrative targets by Harare's criminal element. Instances of "smash and grabs" and carjackings continue, especially in downtown traffic and at night. Situational awareness remains the key to avoiding these incidents or extracting oneself from them.
Residential break-ins and home invasions are a continuing concern, with perpetrators frequently carrying edged weapons or firearms. Many Harare residents utilize guards, centrally monitored alarms with reaction teams, grillework, electrical fencing, barbed wire, dogs, and/or personally owned firearms to combat residential crime.
The condition of roads and traffic control devices is poor. This, along with increases in improperly maintained vehicles, lack of street lighting, and almost non-existent traffic enforcement, creates an environment highly conducive to traffic accidents. Drivers should exercise caution and drive defensively, especially at night. U.S. Embassy Harare policy strictly prohibits U.S. government employees from driving at night outside of Harare.
Police Response
The Zimbabwe Republic’s law enforcement capabilities have dramatically deteriorated in recent years. The police lack sufficient funding to maintain and operate equipment, or to train and equip personnel. They have virtually no ability to respond to emergencies, a situation made worse by their overt politicization. Rather than combating crime, the primary police function has become suppressing activity opposing the government. In the case of criminal activity, the police usually need to be provided transportation to perform any investigative function. Criminal incidents must be reported in person to the nearest police station.
Medical Emergencies
The public medical infrastructure has effectively crumbled and medical facilities are extremely limited. There have been several instances where visitors facing life-threatening illnesses or injuries have been turned away from hospitals because they were unable to pay in cash or there were insufficient medical supplies available. Most serious illnesses or injuries will require medical evacuation to South Africa. All visitors are strongly encouraged to have medical travel and evacuation insurance prior to arriving in Zimbabwe; otherwise, fees for these services are extremely high and payable immediately in cash.
For non-emergency and walk-in medical care, it is recommended that visitors initially contact the Avenues Clinic in Harare: Emergency Room: 251.144 or 251.180 or 251.190
For emergency medical transportation it is highly recommended that individuals contact Medical Air Rescue Service (MARS) or Emergency Medical Rescue Ambulance Service (EMRAS). Both are open 24-hours a day and provide capable emergency medical services, including ambulance service and evacuation.
Mobile Air Rescue Service (MARS): 727.540
Emergency Medical Rescue Ambulance Service (EMRAS): 250.011 or 250.012
How to Avoid Becoming a Victim
In the event an American citizen becomes a victim of a crime, he/she should immediately report the incident to the nearest police station. If it is an emergency and the police are not in the vicinity, they can be contacted by calling 995; the central police station's telephone number is 777.777.
The loss or theft of a U.S. passport should be reported to U.S. Embassy Harare. The embassy can be contacted 24 hours a day at 250.593.
General:
1. Always remain aware of your surroundings and the activity around you. A typical mugging in Harare involves a group of young males who surround and overwhelm their victim in a public area. An alert individual can often see this developing and initiate an appropriate evasive action.
2. Traveling in groups of three to four people is highly recommended, especially at night.
3. Be alert to distractions. Purse-snatchers will often work in teams of two, with one man acting as a diversion. One man may engage the target in conversation or bump him/her on the street while the other grabs hand-carried valuables and flees.
4. Do not display or carry unnecessary valuables in public. Jewelry, cell phones, and other electronic items are of particular interest to local thieves.
5. Always secure items such as passports, money, jewelry, and credit cards in hotel safety deposit boxes or safes when not being used.
5. Don't resist if robbed or car-jacked.
6. Avoid any and all political rallies or demonstrations. Be sure to read the Country Specific Information Sheet on Zimbabwe (at www.travel.state.gov) prior to travel for updated information and advice.
In the Car:
1. Avoid driving at night outside the low-density suburban areas. Rural and suburban areas alike are poorly lit and pose additional safety hazards due to pedestrians and animals crossing the roads. Many vehicles are poorly maintained and often lack headlights or other warning devices.
2. Keep automobile doors locked at all times and windows up. While stopped in urban traffic, scan the side and rearview mirrors to identify potential trouble. While idling at a traffic light or stop sign, leave adequate room to maneuver between your vehicle and the one in front. When driving or when the vehicle is unoccupied, secure all items out of view by either placing them in the trunk or under the seat. In the case of vehicular robberies (i.e. "smash and grabs") and carjackings, often times a group of street criminals wait for vehicles to stop in traffic. They then attempt to open the doors of their target's vehicle. If all doors are locked and the driver fails to take immediate action, the group will then attempt to break a window to access the vehicle and violently gain control. These incidents occur mostly at night, but have also taken place in heavy mid-day traffic from which it is difficult to escape. The road from the Harare International Airport is particularly targeted.
3. Avoid travel to farms, properties, and areas occupied by war veterans.
Contact Information
The American Embassy can be contacted 24-hours a day by calling the embassy's primary telephone number: 250.593.
OSAC Country Council
There is no OSAC Country Council in Zimbabwe. For business security-related questions, please contact the Regional Security Officer at U.S. Embassy Harare.
The contents of this (U) presentation in no way represent the policies, views, or attitudes of the United States Department of State, or the
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