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 
 
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. 
 
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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. 
 
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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