The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Lesotho at Level 1, indicating travelers should exercise normal precautions.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

The U.S. Embassy in Maseru does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. The ACS Unit cannot recommend a particular individual or location and assumes no responsibility for the quality of service provided.

Review OSAC’s Lesotho-specific page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Crime Threats

There is serious risk from crime in Maseru. Endemic poverty and widespread unemployment continue to contribute to an increase in criminal activity. Limited private sector work opportunities in Lesotho and South Africa contribute to high rates of unemployment, with the official published statistic being 27.5%; the actual rate is widely believed to be much higher, at around 40%. Steadily declining remittances from Basotho workers performing seasonal or mining work in South Africa continue to have a negative impact on this trend as well. The large number of unemployed individuals loitering downtown, in residential areas, and in other areas frequented by expatriates, allows criminals to blend into the populace easily.

There is no evidence that criminals are targeting U.S. citizens for criminal activity; rather, they target all foreigners because of perceived affluence. Most reported incidents are crimes of opportunity for immediate gain (e.g. simple assault, pickpocketing, petty theft). Victims of street crime are often inattentive targets of opportunity. Theft of cell phones, computers, money, jewelry, and other handheld electronic devices is common. Thieves can and do snatch valuables through open vehicle windows. There has been an increase in the number of criminal incidents involving expatriates walking during dusk and overnight hours. The crime rates in the Leribe and Mafeteng areas are higher than in other districts. The crime rate in Maseru, on the other hand, is approximately five times higher than other districts.       

Even though Lesotho has very strict gun-control laws, criminal elements smuggle firearms in from South Africa through the porous border. The use of firearms in conducting criminal acts is on the rise. Increases in the tactics more commonly seen in South Africa are also on the rise in Lesotho. This includes the increased use of car remote jammers/blockers to steal from vehicles parked at large shopping areas with limited guard or camera visibility.

Criminals are generally armed and not averse to using violence in order to achieve their objective, especially when they encounter resistance. Should an armed individual confront you, comply immediately, avoid making sudden movements, and do not offer any resistance. Criminals could perceive any hesitation as a threat, and turn to violence. Crimes committed at knifepoint have increased, and are the most common type of force used; however, crimes committed at gunpoint are also becoming more common.

The limited amount of police data available indicates an increase in violent crime (e.g. armed robbery, sexual assault, homicide, residential break-in) in recent years. Increasingly, criminals are resorting to violence to subdue their victims, obtain items of value, commit a sexual offense, and elicit information regarding valuables in the home. Current trends indicate an increase in motor vehicle theft, home invasions, and increased cooperation with criminal elements in South Africa.

Residential security, especially in Maseru, should include mitigating measures such as intrusion alarms, perimeter walls topped with an anti-climb feature, sufficient perimeter lighting, window/door grilles, automated vehicle gates, security guard services, solid core doors, and deadbolt locks.

Vehicle theft in Maseru is common. Park in well-illuminated areas with high foot traffic and security guards. While carjacking is not as prevalent as in South Africa, vehicle theft takes place at all hours, in both downtown and residential neighborhoods.

Organized crime is uncommon and generally involves participants from South Africa. Organized criminal groups are involved in vehicle theft and human trafficking. While the government is taking active steps to combat both, well-established and often sophisticated organized crime networks use Lesotho as a venue to register stolen cars. Human trafficking is on the rise as promises of jobs continue to lure Basotho citizens into South Africa; traffickers then force many to work in illegal mining or the illegal sex trade. There have been incidents attributed to gang violence in Lesotho by groups based in the Mafeteng district south of Maseru. These gangs, often affiliated with the local political parties, occasionally clash in the capital and in outlying areas.

While ATM scams (such as skimming) are not common, they are prevalent throughout South Africa. Police indicate an increase in attempts to use cloned debit cards at ATMs in Lesotho. Exercise caution when using any ATM and only use ATMs inside shopping malls, hotels, and banks, since they are normally high-traffic areas monitored by security guards/cameras. Before approaching the ATM, scan the area for any suspicious persons or activity. Should anyone approach you while you are withdrawing money, immediately cancel the transaction and leave the area. Never accept assistance from a “Good Samaritan” while using an ATM; this could be a distraction technique. Avoid the vicinity of an ATM when it is being serviced; such servicing typically includes the transfer of large sums of cash, and could be the target of criminals. Scan the ATM for any odd or out of place device (especially around the area of the card reader), an altered keypad, hidden camera facing the keypad, etc. Check your credit card and other banking statements on a regular basis. If you note discrepancies, inform your banking institution immediately. For more information, review OSAC’s report, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud.

Cybersecurity Issues

Fraud-related crimes remain low, but cybercrimes are increasing regionally. Cybersecurity should remain a priority for any organization operating in Lesotho, and the importance of using legitimate software cannot be overstressed.

Transportation-Safety Situation

For more information, review OSAC’s report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.

Road Safety and Road Conditions

All major roads have blacktop in good condition; nevertheless, vehicle accidents are a major safety concern. Most secondary roads are either gravel or hard-packed earth. Some residential roads in Maseru and roads leading to rural districts are in poor condition, with potholes, ruts, and collapsing shoulders. Vegetation can grow over the edge of the road, particularly during the rainy season, causing a lack of visibility on bends and concealing hazards at the side of the road. Rubble from rockslides often partially obstructs mountain roads, and there is no proper signage noting the hazards. Use caution and practice defensive driving.

Driving is one of the biggest risks to personal safety and security. Traffic circulates on the left side of the road. Many vehicles are not roadworthy, and not all drivers have proper training. The average speed limit in cities is 50 km/hour and outside cities/towns is 80km/hour, but not all vehicles drive at this speed. It is common to come up behind a vehicle moving at little more than a crawl or to encounter vehicles that pull out onto the roadway without their drivers looking first or leaving proper distance for acceleration.

A lethal combination of factors makes driving a challenge: poorly illuminated roadways, roads in a state of disrepair, inexperienced/irresponsible drivers, pedestrian traffic, wandering livestock, and intense rain are all contributors. Beware of potholes, unskilled drivers, careless pedestrians, and the presence of non-roadworthy vehicles. Drivers frequently change lanes into oncoming traffic without looking and expect others to take evasive maneuvers to compensate. Street lighting is very poor and frequently non-existent. Pedestrians do not look when crossing the road, and frequently walk out into traffic. Livestock often appear on roadways without warning, as there is an overall lack of fencing—especially in rural areas. Even if the road appears fenced, people leave gates open so livestock can feed along the sides of the road. Many people operate vehicles while under the influence of alcohol/drugs, leading to erratic, unpredictable, and unsafe driving conditions. Insobriety is a significant contributing factor to many accidents, particularly in the evening, on weekends, holidays, and month’s end (payday).

Use a GPS navigation tool with appropriately updated software; note police stations, hospitals, shops, and fuel stations along your route. Carry a cell phone with you and have emergency numbers readily available. It is illegal to use a cell phone while driving, although many drivers do so to the detriment of their attention and driving ability. Local cellular network coverage is generally good on the major routes and in most towns.

All passengers should wear their seatbelts in motor vehicles. Keep windows up and doors locked. Leaving vehicles unlocked, even for a short period, can result in thieves taking items from the car. Do not leave any valuables visible in the passenger compartment of your car. Be especially vigilant at intersections, and leave yourself distance to maneuver any time you are required to be in a static position. Be aware of your surroundings when leaving or entering your residence, and at traffic lights and stop signs. Obey traffic laws and drive defensively, especially at night. Always try to park in illuminated and secure parking areas. Be suspicious of anyone who hails you or tries to get your attention while you are in/near your car. Although a common practice in Lesotho, do not pick up hitchhikers. Do not drive after dark outside of Maseru.

Drivers involved in traffic accidents should attempt to exchange insurance information with the other party and summon a traffic police officer if possible. Do not make restitution at the scene, especially if livestock/pedestrians are involved. While local law requires that operators involved in a road traffic accident remain at the scene until police arrive to make a report, be wary of crowds gathering at the scene of an accident and depart the area immediately if you perceive a threat to your safety. For more information on self-driving, review OSAC’s reports Driving Overseas: Best Practices and Road Safety in Africa.

Public Transportation Conditions

The most common forms of mass transportation are minibuses and four-plus-one taxis; however, they are not safe means of transport. Every year, there are a number of serious and fatal accidents involving taxi minibuses. Many lack proper safety equipment and do not adhere to vehicle safety standards. It is common for criminals to pose as four-plus-one taxi drivers to lure unsuspecting victims into their vehicle. The drivers are often reckless, making frequent, unauthorized stops to pick up passengers and speeding from one stop to the next.

Terrorism Threat

Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns

There is minimal risk from terrorism in Maseru. Lesotho’s border with South Africa is porous; individuals or groups connected to terrorism could move easily back and forth between the two countries.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

There is moderate risk from civil unrest in Maseru. The political environment is highly contested within and among Lesotho’s numerous (30 plus) political parties. The most recent free and fair elections in 2017 occurred without incident and were transparent. A peaceful transition to a new administration, composed of a four-party coalition government, capped an electoral period free of political violence. Many of the administration’s actions are consistent with a government prioritizing rule of law.

Civil Unrest

Lesotho has a history of politically related civil unrest, exemplified by Lesotho Defense Force (LDF) attacks on Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) personnel in 2014. Following the clashes, Maseru was without a law enforcement presence for almost four days. However, during this period, there were no episodes of civil disruption or unrest. While improved since then, differences between the police and army remain.

In 2015, the army arrested more than 50 soldiers on charges of mutiny or failure to suppress mutiny. The former LDF Commander died in what the then-LDF leadership called a botched arrest, but the victim’s family called an assassination. In response to the incident, a Southern African Development Community (SADC) Commission of Inquiry recommended the dismissal of the LDF commander, the release of a group of soldiers accused of mutiny, accountability for those accused of torture, murder, and other crimes, and wide ranging reforms. Police have since arrested the LDF Commander, who is awaiting sentencing.

In 2017, two top ranking LDF officers assassinated another LDF commander after having forced their way into his office. The currently LDF commander has made security sector reform a hallmark of his leadership, and has expressed his commitment to maintaining a professional army subservient to civilian rule.

There were numerous demonstrations in 2018. Demonstrations are primarily small, non-violent, and politically- or economically-motivated. Demonstrations are used throughout the country by opposing political parties and groups. Several marches and protests in 2018, while not violent, caused disruption to the flow of pedestrians and vehicular traffic. One particular multi-day, multi-area factory worker strike was violent and involved rock throwing at surrounding pedestrians, vehicles, and buildings, burning of tires, and closing of the main roads with rocks and debris. Avoid demonstrations or large gatherings of people, as even non-violent gatherings can quickly turn violent. 

Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

The most common environmental hazard is heavy rain and lightning. While urban areas and roads are fairly well drained, torrential downpours in short periods occasionally result in standing water, soil, and other debris washed onto roadways. Rural and mountain roads are neither well illuminated nor well drained; avoid travel on these roadways during heavy rainfall. The high frequency of lightning strikes during a storm present a very real hazard.

Critical Infrastructure

Lesotho has become less reliant on South Africa for electrical power as of late, but concerns exist regarding how the extended Eskom crisis will affect the country.  

Lesotho has two major dams that supply water to South Africa. Lesotho has one major dam providing water to Maseru and a number of smaller dams providing water to other parts of the country. Poor infrastructure and distribution issues plague the country’s water supply and have put high demands on this resource. The water supply in Maseru has been largely uninterrupted, but the water system has been less reliable outside of the capital, leaving even medical facilities without water.

Personal Identity Concerns

Accommodations for persons with disabilities are limited.

Lesotho is relatively tolerant of sexual minorities, but openly LGBT individuals are not prominent in Lesotho, and Basotho issues relating to LGBT rights are poorly understood. Same-sex sexual activity is legal, but there are no laws protecting the LGBT community from discrimination.

People of East Asian descent may be at higher risk of becoming robbery victims due to the perception that many are wealthy business owners.

Drug-related Crimes

A variety of drugs, especially marijuana, is present. Occasionally, authorities arrest passengers attempting to smuggle drugs through the Moshoeshoe International Airport (MSU) or across the border with South Africa. Avoid being involved in any form of narcotics activity, as penalties are stiff and taken seriously.

Kidnapping Threat

Kidnappings are uncommon; most are more accurately categorized as false imprisonment, and are usually the result of a domestic dispute or an express kidnapping wherein the criminals drive the victim to an ATM to retrieve money before subsequent release. Most victims are members of the local population. There were no reported instances of expatriates kidnapped in 2018.

Police Response

Foreigners must present documentation to law enforcement personnel if requested. All foreign visitors should always carry identification (e.g. passport, residence permit, or copies thereof).

How to Handle Incidents of Police Detention or Harassment

While incidents of police detention, corruption, bribery, or harassment occur, they are not common in the expatriate community. Should an encounter with police occur, respect and cooperation is the best way to avoid potential problems. Do not do anything that could put your personal safety at risk. Never bribe the police; this is likely to increase the incidence of expatriate vehicle stops.

Crime Victim Assistance

There are limited police vehicle and foot patrols in residential or commercial areas. The LMPS does not have an adequate response capability, and commonly lacks transport to respond to an incident. Visitors requiring police assistance should appear in person at the police station in their area or at Police Headquarters in Maseru. The LMPS telephone number is +266-22-317-263 or +266-5-888-1010 from any phone, or 112 from a landline phone in Lesotho.

Police/Security Agencies

LMPS, the national police service, is a centralized, national organization that falls under the Ministry of Police and Public Safety. Its headquarters are in Maseru, with offices in all districts and border post locations with South Africa, as well as an office at the airport. Most areas of policing and law enforcement fall under the LMPS (e.g. airport security, emergency response, criminal investigations, and drug enforcement), with the exception of immigration matters, handled by the Lesotho Immigration Department.

Medical Emergencies

Medical facilities are inadequate by Western standards, even with the opening of a new hospital in Maseru in 2011. Local medical facilities do not generally offer the standard of care available in more developed countries. There are medical clinic facilities in Lesotho that provide limited, basic medical treatment.

Lesotho has a small number of pharmacies that carry some prescription drugs and usually do not require a prescription. Many larger pharmacies are in South Africa. Plan accordingly, and bring your needed prescriptions with you. For more information, refer to OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medications.

Contact Information for Available Medical Services

Full-service medical hospitals are located in Bloemfontein (approximately 1.5-2 hour drive from Lesotho) and Johannesburg (approximately 4.5 hour drive from Lesotho), across the border.

Wilies Clinic, tel: +266-22-333-600/601, +266-6285-1040

Maseru Private Clinic, tel: +266-22-313-260

Queen Mamohato Memorial Hospital: tel: +266-22-220-300

For medical assistance, refer to the Embassy’s Medical Assistance page.

Available Air Ambulance Services

Mission Aviation Fellowship + 266-22-314-790 or +266-52-500-619

Civil Aviation Officer permission is required to land aircraft in Maseru. Contact Mrs. Sesinye at +266-5885-3885 or +266-22-322-854

Insurance Guidance

Medical evacuation to South Africa is often the only option for serious injury or illness. Professional, private emergency rescue services operate air and ground ambulances, but providers only render care and transport after the patient establishes an ability to pay. For more information, refer to OSAC’s report, Medical Evacuation: A Primer.

Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance

Lesotho has one of the highest prevalence rates of HIV in the world. Exercise appropriate precautions if engaging in sexual activity or exposed to a blood source other than that supplied by a hospital/clinic for transfusion purposes. Tuberculosis is also endemic. Individuals who plan to reside or stay for extended periods should obtain a tuberculosis skin test prior to arrival and again upon departure from Lesotho. 

The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Lesotho.

OSAC Country Council Information

There is no Country Council in Lesotho. Interested private-sector security managers should contact OSAC’s Africa team with any questions.

U.S. Embassy Location and Contact Information

Embassy Address and Hours of Operation

254 Kingsway Road, Maseru 100

Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday 0730-1700, Friday 0730-1330

Embassy Contact Numbers

Embassy Operator (Business hours): +266-22-312-666

Regional Security Office: +266-22-312-666 Ext. 4125

RSO email: DS_RSO_Maseru@state.gov

Consular Affairs: +266-22-312-666 Ext. 4102

Consular email: usconsularmaseru@state.gov

Website: http://maseru.usembassy.gov/

Additional Resources

Lesotho Country Information Sheet

South Africa Country Information Sheet