Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09LUSAKA47
2009-01-23 08:56:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Lusaka
Cable title:  

2008 ANNUAL OSAC CRIME AND SAFETY REPORT FOR ZAMBIA

Tags:  ASEC ZA 
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R 230856Z JAN 09
FM AMEMBASSY LUSAKA
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 6668
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
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