2008 ANNUAL OSAC CRIME AND SAFETY REPORT FOR ZAMBIA

UNCLAS LUSAKA 000047 FOR DS/DSS/OSAC, DS/IP/AF, DI/IP/ITA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC ZA SUBJECT: 2008 ANNUAL OSAC CRIME AND SAFETY REPORT FOR ZAMBIA 1.(U) Overall Crime And Safety Situation Zambia has not escaped from the world wide economic downturn. With sharp drops in the price of copper, a major factor in Zambia's economy, rising prices for basic foods and unemployment at 16%, a rise in the crime level is expected by both the Zambian government and the expatriate community. The U.S. Department of State currently rates crime in Zambia as high, but with crime levels in Lusaka typically vacillate between a high and critical rating with thefts, residential burglaries, home invasions and car jackings continuing to plague ordinary citizens, diplomats, and visitors alike. The display and use of automatic weapons typically AK-47s during the commission of these crimes is commonplace. Foreigners have been followed from banks, businesses and ATMs and later robbed at or near their residences, on the street or at their places of business. Gangs of armed criminals in Lusaka's poorer neighborhoods roam the streets at night, perpetrating robberies and home invasions with relative impunity. Vigilantism is present as the critically under funded, poorly trained and equipped police base have a poor rate of investigation closure and prosecution for these crimes. While Zambian citizens are most often the victims of residential crimes, Americans and other foreigners are viewed as lucrative targets for thieves. Crime occurs regularly in the neighborhoods where Americans and other expatriates reside despite extensive security measures which are in place. Crime is not restricted to nighttime hours. Daylight robberies involving the use of firearms have occurred throughout Lusaka and in other large cities. Police have also been involved in several shoot-outs with heavily armed criminals, some of which have occurred in heavily populated public places such as the main shopping and entertainment centers and in neighborhoods where Americans reside. Americans are strongly advised to avoid police actions that occur spontaneously. Outside of Lusaka and other major cities, incidents of crime do occur including theft, murder and robberies. Americans traveling throughout Zambia are advised to keep informed about the local security situation as well as monitoring current events nationwide. -------------- Political Violence -------------- There have been no specific incidences of political violence targeting Americans in Zambia. Nonetheless, since the August 1998 attacks on our embassies in Kenya and Tanzania and 9/11 terrorists attacks, Americans overseas are encouraged to remain vigilant and to exercise caution. Americans should avoid large crowds and gatherings, keep a low profile, and vary routes and times of all required travel. There are occasions of sporadic violence associated with various demonstrations which occur and the potential for political violence persists. Most recently the rising cost of "mealie meal",a local food staple was the source of two days of riotous behavior and looting by citizens of Kitwe, in North/Central Zambia. Several businesses, including some operated by OSAC members were targeted and looted. Americans are advised to avoid political gatherings and demonstrations as these sometimes become violent and result in police action. A common method of dispersing demonstrations is for the police launch tear gas and fire their issued firearms over the heads of the demonstrators. Americans living in Zambia have not been directly affected by ongoing conflicts in neighboring countries. Americans planning to visit any of the areas bordering Angola, the Democratic of Congo, or Zimbabwe should exercise caution as bands of criminals have been known to operate close to the Angolan and DRC borders and health concerns related to the recent cholera outbreak across from the Chirundu border crossing from Zambia in to Zimbabwe can affect travel. -------------- Specific Concerns -------------- Carjackings in Zambia are unfortunately becoming all too familiar. The perpetrators tend to be small groups of young men armed with automatic weapons. In general, if no resistance is given, victims usually escape major injury although a new tactic is to hold the occupants hostage for several hours, purportedly to allow the perpetrators to get the vehicle across a compliant border crossing. All types of vehicles are targeted. Expensive, luxury vehicles are taken for their re-sale value, and older, non-descript cars are taken for use in other crimes. Toyota Corollas are specifically targeted because of the market for their spare parts, and the fact they are fairly non-descript in Zambia. A typical carjacking takes place at the gate to the victim's residence. Americans should be particularly cautious when approaching walled compounds and should not stop to render assistance to distressed motorists. -------------- Police and Medical Assistance -------------- If you become a victim of a crime while visiting Zambia, you should report it to the local police as soon as possible. The police emergency number is 991. Your hotel, host, or tour company should be able to provide you with other specific numbers, if needed for contacting the police precinct in the area in which you are staying. Since the police are short on basic logistical support including fuel of their vehicles, it may be necessary for you to arrange to go and get the police and bring them to the crime scene. If you are the victim of a crime in Zambia, please inform the Consular Section of the American Embassy. The Consular Section phone is 250-955, ext. ¶2261. For after duty hours, dial the main Embassy number and follow the voicemail instructions to receive assistance from a member of the Embassy staff. There are reports of widespread corruption within police ranks, and the police are underpaid and poorly trained. These factors have a negative effect on the professionalism of the Zambian Police Service. If an American citizen is arrested or detained by police authorities, they should request the police to immediately inform the American Embassy of the situation. The Embassy Consular Section also has information sheets containing up to date information on medical facilities, doctors, dentists, and lawyers should an American citizen require such services. The American embassy can be reached at 250-955 or 252-305. Individuals traveling to Zambia should consider purchasing medical evaluation insurance before arriving in Zambia. -------------- -- Tips on How to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Crime -------------- -- The majority of tourists who visit Zambia's game parks, Victoria Falls, cities practice good personal security and leave Zambia without incident. However, there are some visitors who fail to recognize that there are dangers here. The following are a few tips the Regional Security Office offer to visitors and residents alike: If you are planning to visit Zambia, register with the Consular Section at the American Embassy or on-line at http://travel.state.gov. Do not bring valuables or large amount of cash. Only carry with you what is essential. Make sure you have copies of passport numbers, credit card information and other important personal documents necessary for travel. Store or carry them in a place separate from the originals. If you bring a vehicle into Zambia, make sure that it is in good mechanical condition, is well insured ( it is mandatory to purchase Zambian third party liability insurance),and has a reliable alarm or anti-theft device Carry medical evacuation insurance. You must have a doctor's prescription with you for all medicines you bring into Zambia. Expatriates have been jailed for failing to comply with this requirement, including "over the counter" medications, commonly available in stores in the United States and other countries. The Embassy strongly suggests you avoid driving at night if possible. Streetlights are few and traffic lights, when present, often do not function. Road conditions are poor, and people walk in the roadway. If you must drive at night, be sure to stay on familiar roads, carry a cell phone, and make sure someone at you destination knows when to expect your arrival. When driving, always keep your doors locked and windows rolled up. It is against the law to photograph any government building or military installation. Persons caught taking photographs are subject to arrest and imprisonment. Also be aware that photographing the U.S. Embassy is included in this prohibition by the Zambian Police Service. Use caution when visiting the downtown area of Lusaka. Street crime is critical, and there is little active police presence. Never walk the streets after sunset unless it is absolutely necessary. Although the streets around the hotels normally used by visitors are generally safe and protected to an extent by contract guards, criminal elements are in the area, as evident by the number of car thefts and street crimes around these hotels. If traveling across the country, travel during daylight hours. Let someone know your destination and when you should be expected to arrive. Do not use public transportation if you can avoid it. Taxis and buses are unsafe and unreliable. The purchase and sale of ivory, rhino horn and other animal related products is illegal and carries stiff penalties, despite being readily available in tourists markets. Be sure to read the consular information sheet on Zambia prior to travel. The consular information sheet will have current information about which travelers to Zambia should be aware. The website for the U.S. Embassy in Zambia is: www. zambia.usembassy.gov -------------- For Further Information -------------- The Embassy telephone number is 260-1-250955. The Regional Security Office extension is 2266. The Consular Section is ¶2226. In an emergency after hours, phone the Embassy at 250-955 and follow the recorded instructions to receive assistance from Embassy personnel. There is an OSAC council in Zambia. The Regional Security Office is available to meet with representatives of U.S. corporations visiting from the United States or to answer about security BOOTH