SWAZILAND OVERSEAS SECURITY ADVISORY COUNCIL

UNCLAS MBABANE 000006



DEPT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/IP/ITA, DS/OSAC

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AMGT APER ASEC
SUBJECT: SWAZILAND OVERSEAS SECURITY ADVISORY COUNCIL
(OSAC) CRIME AND SAFETY REPORT - 2009

REF: 08 STATE 132056



1. The following comprises Post Mbabane's submission for
the 2009 OSAC Crime and Safety Report, based on the REFTEL:


I. Overall Crime and Safety Situation:


A. The Department of State has designated Swaziland as a Critical
Threat Crime Post. Criminals consider Mbabane, the capital city,
and Manzini, Swaziland's urban industrial center, prime grounds for
operation due to the number of people, businesses and affluent
areas. Additionally, crime affects urban and rural areas due to
limited police assets. Criminals will resort to force if necessary,
including deadly force, in order to accomplish their goal. Gangs
are not deterred by confrontations with their intended victims.
Car-jackings are not uncommon and can be violent if victims do not
cooperate. Crime increases dramatically during the holiday season.

Congested urban areas are particularly dangerous at night,
but daytime incidents do occur. The presence of others on
the street should not be misinterpreted as an indication of
security. Many victims report being robbed in the presence
of large numbers of witnesses, who are unwilling to
intervene. Pedestrians are cautioned not to wear jewelry or carry
expensive items in open view. All visitors are
advised against displaying large amounts of cash, flashy
jewelry, expensive clothing items or cellular telephones.
Walking around at night, either alone or in a group, is
strongly discouraged.

Most residents in Swaziland take residential security
seriously and attempt to protect their homes accordingly.
Perimeter walls, security guards, dogs, security lighting, window
grills, and alarm systems with response teams are
essential for ensuring the safety of residents. Burglaries
and home invasions occur frequently. Gangs, armed with
knives or firearms, target homes and offices they suspect possess
cash or valuables. Criminals go so far as to taunt residents by
attempting robberies in broad daylight.

The city of Manzini, Swaziland's biggest city located
approximately 30 kilometers southeast of Mbabane, is
notorious for criminal activity. The bus rank in Manzini,
into which most inter city transportation must pass before
traveling throughout the country, is routinely cited as
being dangerous. In the past year, criminals have frequently
targeted banks (cash deliveries) and Automatic
Teller Machines (ATM). These types of crimes are
organized involving explosives, metal grinders, firearms
and multiple vehicles. Police response is often met with
gunfire regardless of the time of day or location.


B. Traffic accidents in Swaziland are the second greatest
danger for any visitor. Use extreme caution when on the
road as drivers are prone to excessive speeding and
reckless behavior. Other road hazards that visitors
should be aware of include: poor lighting, failure to
obey traffic signals, presence of pedestrians on roadways,
farm animals on roadways, slower moving vehicles on the
road, large trucks delivering heavy cargo, drunk drivers, poorly
maintained roads, extreme weather (heavy fog, rain, hail),and
erratic stopping by other vehicles.

Traffic drives on the left in Swaziland, which requires
US drivers to exercise particular caution. Due to the
numerous hazards, special care should be used in driving
at night, especially in rural areas. Major highways in
Swaziland are generally maintained, well paved and adequately marked
around the major cities. Most major thoroughfares in the cities are
paved, though in various states of repair.

Avoid driving at night outside low-density areas. Rural
and suburban areas alike are ill lit and pose additional
safety hazards due to pedestrians and animals crossing
the roads. Vehicles are not well maintained and often
lack headlights. Large trucks park on the side of the
road without using emergency flashers or warning signs.

Keep automobile doors locked and windows rolled up at all
times. Do not roll down your window in the event someone
approaches your vehicle. Ignore persons outside your vehicle and
drive away if you feel uncomfortable. While stopped in urban
traffic, continue to scan rearview mirrors to identify potential
trouble. Always use your seatbelt.

Do not stop your vehicle if you encounter rocks or logs in the
middle of the road. This is a technique used in Swaziland and South
Africa for robbers to force vehicles to stop. Either drive around
the barriers or turn around. Do not stop to assess the situation.

Secure all items out of view, by placing them either in the
trunk or under the seat. While idling at a light or stop
sign, leave adequate maneuver room between your vehicle
and the one in front so that you can expedite your
departure should the need arise. Park only in well lit
areas; preferably lots with a security guard.

II. Political Violence:


A. In the past few years, there have been multiple attacks
against Government of Swaziland buildings and governmental
residences utilizing Molotov cocktails. These attacks
occurred in the early morning hours with limited damage to
personnel or facilities. In 2008, there have been multiple
incidents involving improvised explosives devices (IEDs). Most of
the targets have been bridges, though none of bridges sustained
structural damage. One incident involved a small IED placed in a
trash bin outside a Kentucky Fried Chicken establishment in Mbabane.
Americans have not been targeted because of their nationality.

There is no evidence that indigenous groups exist that would use
political violence against Americans to further their cause.

Civil unrest is usually not an issue in Swaziland, although
public protests, demonstrations, and strikes are fairly
common in response to ongoing labor and politically related
difficulties, as well as the continued ban on political formations
and meetings of a political nature.
When a strike is pending, the Royal Swaziland Police
Service (RSPS) is usually called out to monitor the group.
Americans are cautioned to stay away from any and all
demonstrations in Swaziland, as the security forces
have used force to disrupt such events. During the course
of such events, police do not distinguish between "innocent
bystanders" and protesters, and the possibility of becoming
a collateral casualty should be a concern for Americans.

III. Post-Specific Concerns:


A. Flooding is rare in Swaziland, though rain can be quite
heavy during the rainy season (October - April). Violent
thunderstorms with heavy rainfall, hail and lightning are
of particular concern. Hundreds of people are killed each
year during heavy storms. If outdoors during a thunderstorm, seek
shelter immediately.


B. The use of public transportation by Americans is not
recommended. Mini-bus taxis, which follow fixed routes and
are flagged down by passengers on the streets and roads of
Swaziland, should be considered unsafe. Many of these
vehicles fail to meet minimal safety standards and drivers
frequently overload the vehicles and travel at excessive
speeds. Fatal accidents involving these conveyances are
very common. Taxis can be used, but check for references
with a trusted source. Do not ride in taxis that are occupied with
other persons besides the driver.


C. Kidnappings have not occurred in Swaziland.


D. Drugs, especially Dagga (marijuana),are present in
Swaziland. Care should be taken to avoid being involved
in any form of narcotics activity. Local penalties for
narcotics violations are stiff.

IV. Police Response:


A. The RSPS lacks the manpower, assets and training
to respond to crime at a level expected in the
United States. Communication within the police department
and mobile units is poor and the lack of transportation
is a severe obstacle to their timely response to an
incident. Some rural areas have instituted community
policing to augment the RSPS, but their effectiveness
and professionalism varies greatly. Most foreign
residents and local business owners rely on 24 hour
private security companies to enhance their protective
posture.


B. Regardless of these limitations, the RSPS will assist any victims
of a crime to the best of their abilities. Americans are strongly
encouraged to file a police report at the nearest police station as
soon as possible, after being a victim of a crime. English is
widely spoken throughout the country. Retain a copy of the filed
police report. There have been no reported cases of police
harassment involving foreigners and the RSPS.


V. Medical Emergencies:


A. Visitors should strongly consider purchasing private
medical evacuation insurance due to the inadequacy of
facilities, physicians and supplies in Swaziland. Any life
threatening condition will require emergency evacuation by
air. The closest medical facility that is equipped to
handle serious medical emergencies is located in
Nelspruit, South Africa (information listed below).


B. In the Mbabane area, the following facilities should be
contacted in a medical emergency:

-The Mbabane Clinic: (268) 404-2423/4/5
-24-Hour Ambulance (Trauma Link): (268) 606-0911
-Mbabane Government Hospital: (268) 404-2111

In the Manzini area, the following facilities should be
contacted in a medical emergency:

-Manzini Clinic: (268) 505-7430/9
-Raleigh Fitkin Memorial Hospital: (268) 505-2211/2201

In the Lebombo region:
-Siteki Good Shepherd Hospital: (268) 343-4012

For additional medical assistance, the following can be
utilized in South Africa:

-Private Hospital, Nelspruit, South Africa: 07-13-759-0500 (when
dialing from Swaziland; 27-13-759-0500 (when dialing from outside of
Swaziland or South Africa).

-Johannesburg Poison Center, Milpark Hospital: 07-114-805-688 (when
dialing from Swaziland); 27-114-805-688 (when dialing outside of
Swaziland or South Africa).

VI. Travel precautions:


A. Visitors to Swaziland should exercise the same
precautions as they would in any other urban area
of the world. This guidance applies particularly
to downtown areas at night, when robberies, muggings,
and car-jackings are most common. Crimes common
to urban destinations worldwide - hotel theft,
pickpockets, muggings - are present in Swaziland.
All visitors should use caution in the downtown areas
and hotels, especially in the major cities. Travelers
should use all available means to protect credit
cards, financial information, and personal
identification. In the event an American Citizen
becomes a victim of a crime, he/she should immediately
report the incident to the nearest police station
or by calling 999 in the event of a life threatening
emergency. If contact can not be made via telephone,
drive to the nearest station and make a report in person.

The town of Manzini has more incidents of crime than
any other city in Swaziland. Manzini is particularly
dangerous on weekend nights. Additionally, caution
should be used in very rural areas as criminals will
target outsiders due to the extreme remoteness and lack
of law enforcement coverage.


B. Always be aware of the activity around you. typical
mugging in Swaziland involves a group o young males who
surround and overwhelm the victim in a public area.
n alert individual can oftensee this developing and
initiate appropriate evaive actions. When departing a
restaurant, alway have vehicle keys ready, get inside the
vehicleas quickly as possible, and lock all doors upon
etry. If you observe a group of suspicious individals,
seek refuge in a safer place such as a store, restaurant,
or place of business.

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. Carry
purses and backpacks across your shoulder and move quickly when
entering or departing stores.

Do not carry more cash and valuables than are necessary for
the need at hand. Most hotels have safes inside each room
and larger safes at the front desk. Statistically, people
have not been harmed during street thefts when they did
not offer resistance. Resist only if you feel your life
is in danger. HIV/AIDS is prevalent and the possibility
of an exchange of blood presents additional concerns.

Avoid traveling alone. Safety in numbers is better. Stick
to well lit areas and never walk through parks or unlit
public areas at night. Do not display or carry unnecessary
valuables in public. Cell phones are of a particular
interest to local thieves. Do not carry a cell phone on
the waist or in other visible areas. One should always
carry the phone in a purse, bag or backpack and remain
on the alert when speaking on the phone in a public area.

Only convert money with authorized currency exchanges and
never with street vendors. Exercise caution at cash
machines, both in terms of strong arm robbery and
stealthy ploys to jam the machine in order to steal
the card. ATM machines are located in the larger
cities in the country but should be used with caution.

Avoid any and all political rallies or demonstrations.

Although violence is not directed at Americans, these events can
turn dangerous. Police are prone to using tear gas and batons to
disperse crowds. Occasionally, rubber or real bullets may also be
used as a means of dispersing crowds.

Be sure to read the Consular Information Sheet on Swaziland
prior to travel for updated information and advice. U.S.
Citizens are encouraged to register with the Consular
section of the American Embassy upon arrival.

VII. Further Information:


A. U.S. Embassy Mbabane Information:

PO Box 199
Central Bank Building, Seventh Floor
Warner Street
Mbabane, Swaziland

Country code: 268
Embassy Operator: 404-6441
Regional Security Officer: 404-0283
Consular Officer: 404-4820

After business hours contact the Embassy Duty Officer at
602-8414.

Local Emergency Services: 999
Police (Mbabane): 404-2221
Fire Department: 404-3333
Mbabane Police HQ: 404-2221
Manzini Police HQ: 505-2221
Airport Police: 518-5222

VIII. OSAC Country Council:

Swaziland's first Overseas Security Advisory Council meeting
convened in 2007. The country council is comprised of local
businesses, faith-based organizations and NGOs.
Point of contact at Post is RSO Kevin W. Murphy, email:
Murphykw2(at)state.gov or telephone: 268-404-0283.


2. Post appreciates the support of DS/OSAC and cordially
invites them for a visit. In 2010, the Republic of South
Africa will host the World Cup and it is anticipated
Swaziland will receive a number of additional visitors due to its
close proximity to the games.

PARKER