Lesotho 2008 Crime & Safety Report

Crime & Safety

Sub-Saharan Africa - Lesotho
10 Jul 2008

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Overall Crime and Safety Situation

Lesotho’s criminal threat rating continues to be critical. The capital of Maseru and major interior towns near Lesotho’s border with neighboring South Africa continue to experience a high rate of criminal activity including theft, home invasions, armed robbery, physical and sexual assault, and homicide. Several high profile armed attacks took place over the course of the past year, including armed assaults on the residences of two government of Lesotho Ministers and a senior political figure as well as a daylight attack on a Lesotho government Minister’s vehicle. During a subsequent operation in June to identify the perpetrators and recover stolen military weapons, a Lesotho Defense Force (LDF) solider shot and seriously wounded a Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) officer and seized his vehicle. During a police imposed dusk-to-dawn curfew, implemented as part of the government of Lesotho’s security operation, security units in northern Maseru engaged in heavy gunfire with armed bandits, resulting in the seizure of seven LDF automatic rifles and numerous security vehicles. Armed assailants carjacked a U.S. Mission vehicle in the neighborhood where the aforementioned event was taking place. These activities seem to stem from a political impasse following an otherwise peaceful 2007 national election in February. 

In Lesotho, it is common for criminals to use weapons such as AK-47 assault rifles and handguns when committing crimes. That being said, the majority of crime that occurs in Maseru is petty street crime. A common practice is for perpetrators to threaten violence with a knife or a handgun while attempting to steal money, cell phones, or other valuables.

Political Violence

While there is no direct threat against American citizens visiting Maseru, foreign visitors, regardless of nationality are regularly targeted for crimes. Generally, Americans are welcomed in Lesotho and there have been no visible signs of anti-Americanism displayed by the press or expressed by the government. Following a peaceful national election in February 2007 the political opposition, led by the All Basotho Congress (ABC) party, contested the allocation of parliamentary seats and various aspects of the electoral process which led to a still unresolved political impasse. The opposition mobilized a significant element of the local population for mass rallies, demonstrations, and “stay away” work stoppages. There were some reports of intimidation tactics being employed during these campaigns, which were mostly aimed at disrupting local transportation services and discouraging commercial activities, resulting in an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among the citizenry. A work stoppage in December 2007, lasting two days, was disruptive to the local economy but not widely observed.
 

Americans who visit Lesotho are encouraged to register with the U.S Embassy’s Consular Section located at 254 Kingsway Avenue in Maseru West and can view recent warden notices posted on the Embassy’s website at http://maseru.usembassy.gov. Visitors are also strongly encouraged to check the most recent travel information on Lesotho by visiting http://travel.state.gov .

Post-Specific Concerns

 Maseru is critical crime threat post. Visitors should exercise caution and be constantly attentive of their surroundings, particularly in the area between the local hotels and the central business district. Armed robberies, muggings, carjacking, and car thefts do occur in Maseru. Muggers, particularly in Maseru, often target foreign nationals, mostly at knifepoint. U.S. Embassy staff are prohibited from casual walking in central Maseru at night and strongly discouraged from walking at any time. The U.S Embassy strongly discourages the use of public mini-bus taxis which often fail to meet minimal safety standards. While traveling in a vehicle, keep your windows rolled-up and doors locked at all times. Drivers should also be alert at stoplights, stop signs, and while entering and exiting a vehicle.  

Traffic accidents are a serious hazard in Lesotho. Visitors should use great caution when driving. Most of the driving hazards in Lesotho are a result of the relatively high rates of driver speed on major thoroughfares, poor lighting on rural roads, the presence of pedestrians, cattle and slow moving vehicles, aggressive driving behavior, prevalence of driving under the influence, and insufficient regulatory control of licensing and vehicle maintenance. Traffic drives on the left in Lesotho, which requires U.S. drivers to exercise particular caution. Travelers should avoid night driving if possible.

Police Response

The security forces in Lesotho consist of the Lesotho Defense Force (LDF) the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS), and the National Security Service (NSS). The LMPS is the primary agency tasked with traditional law enforcement responsibilities. Visitors should be advised that the LMPS is extremely disadvantaged due to lack of resources, equipment, manpower, and training. Therefore police responsiveness to citizens and visitors can be considerably limited. Response to crime is often sporadic whether for average citizens or expatriates. It is not uncommon for victims of a crime to have to provide the police transportation to the crime scene.

The following are emergency contact numbers for local police and fire officials:

Police: (+266) 5888-1010
Fire: (+266) 5888-1544

Medical Emergencies

Lesotho’s medical facilities also tend to be quite limited. Useful medicines are sometimes unavailable in local pharmacies. Travelers are strongly recommended to bring their own prescription medication when traveling to Lesotho. At present, there is no reliable ambulance service within Maseru. Medical facilities within Lesotho are still developing, however, excellent medical facilities and services are available in Bloemfontein, South Africa, which is approximately 90 miles west of Maseru. Americans should take note of the fact that few local doctors and hospitals accept foreign health insurance plans. Nearly all require payment in cash prior to providing service. A medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess of US$50,000. Evacuation insurance, therefore, is highly recommended. Information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s international traveler’s hotline at:
1-877-FYI-TRIP (877-394-8787) or via the Internet at www.cdc.gov

Tips on How to Avoid Becoming a Victim

The U.S Embassy Regional Security Office recommends that visitors take the following safety/security precautions during their travel to Lesotho.

·        Register with the U.S Embassy’s Consular Office so appropriate assistance can be provided if necessary. ( http://maseru.usembassy.gov/ )

·        Be keenly aware of your surroundings, especially in urban areas and during the evening hours. If you feel you have been targeted for criminal assault, move to a well-lit and public safe area, e.g. a restaurant, hotel, shop, etc.

·        Carry only a minimum amount of valuables. If possible, leave your valuables in a safe, secure place. If confronted by a thief or assailant, do not resist. Immediately comply with demands and hand over your valuables.

·        When driving or riding in a vehicle, always keep your doors locked and the windows rolled up, to avoid “snatch and grab” crimes.

·        Visitors should avoid casually walking around in Lesotho and are strongly encouraged to use reliable transportation.

·        Visitors should be extremely cautious when using ATM machines. Try to find ATM’s which are guarded by a security company, well-lit, and in a public place.

·        If establishing a business or residential presence, consider employing a private security service. The U.S Embassy Regional Security Office can provide a list of locally available services.

As a result of Lesotho’s poor infrastructure, sub-standard road maintenance and lighting, inadequate communications, and lack of repair facilities, travelers venturing outside Maseru should adhere to the following:

·        Use a reputable guide or tour company to assist in your travel.
Provide an itinerary and route of travel (i.e time/date/place of arrival) to a trusted associate or representative.

·        Travel with some type of two-way communication device such as a cellular or satellite telephone.

·        It is recommended that travel be conducted during daylight hours and with other travelers.

·        Carry sufficient funds, spare parts, etc. to be prepared in case of emergency situations.

U.S. citizens who are long-term residents or traveling to Maseru are strongly encouraged to register their travel or residency via the U.S State Department’s travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ or at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy upon arrival by filling out a short form and providing a copy of passports.

For Further Information

The U.S Embassy is located at 254 Kingsway Avenue, Maseru. The U.S Embassy can be contacted via telephone at (+266) 22-31-666. The Consular Section, Regional Security Office and Public Diplomacy Office are all located at the Embassy and can be reached at the above number. Additional information can be gained by e-mailing infomaseru@state.gov or by visiting the U.S Embassy’s website at http://maseru.usembassy.gov.

OSAC Country Council

Lesotho currently does not have an OSAC Country Council. For information on how to start an OSAC Country Council in Lesotho, contact the Regional Security Officer in Maseru or the Overseas Security Advisory Council in Washington D.C at 571-345-2223. For more information on OSAC Country Council’s visit https://www.osac.gov/.