R 080958Z JAN 09
FM AMEMBASSY MBABANE
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 3380
INFO AMEMBASSY PRETORIA 
AMEMBASSY MAPUTO 
AMEMBASSY MASERU

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