Security Message for U.S. Citizens - Safety Overview

[Lunyungu]

U.S. Embassy Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Security Message for U.S. Citizens - Safety Overview
September 25, 2013




The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens to review their personal security habits periodically in light of a number of recent incidents involving expats on or near Msasani Peninsula in Dar es Salaam.

Adapt to the environment - Tanzania is rated ‘critical’ for crime.

· Be alert.
· Minimize your exposure.
· Use security equipment.
· Trust your instincts.
· If you see something, say something.

Summary of Recent Crimes on Msasani Peninsula in Dar es Salaam (unless otherwise indicated) as Reported to the U.S. Embassy:

Wednesday, September 18, 1245 hours: A security guard at an expat residence reported shots fired in the area. Armed men tried to rob the Sopco gas station located outside Shrijees grocery at the intersection of Haile Selassie and Mwaya Roads. The men exchanged fire with the police who wounded and arrested two robbers.

Tuesday, September 17, 0815 hours: A U.S. citizen parked her car outside a guarded apartment building and went inside for a few minutes. When she came out, a small side window on her car was broken and her purse was stolen. Cameras show a red Mitsubishi SUV that pulls up next to her vehicle. A man gets out, breaks the window, and drives off—all in under a minute. Police have received multiple reports regarding this vehicle.

Monday, September 16, 1930 hours: A U.S. citizen reported hearing two gunshots fired about 30 seconds apart while in his home on Buzwagi Street.

Monday, September 16, 1930 hours: A white Toyota with tinted windows, driving on the wrong side of the road, conducted a vehicular bag snatch on a U.S. citizen in front of the Colosseum Hotel on Haile Selassie. Fortunately, she wasn't injured.

Friday, September 13, 1600 hours: A man threw acid on a Catholic priest in Stone Town, Zanzibar, resulting in serious injuries.

Thursday, September 12, 1930 hours: A U.S. citizen parked outside of Shrijees' grocery store on Haile Selassie and Mwaya Roads, greeted the guard, and went inside. When she returned a few minutes later, someone had broken a small window in her SUV and stolen her pocketbook, which was hidden on the floor behind the driver's seat.

Sunday, September 8, 1600 hours: A U.S. tourist was raped on a street in Nungwi, located in northwestern Zanzibar. The female tourist was walking alone back from the beach on a side street when she was assaulted by four men, including one with a knife.

Monday, September 2, 1930 hours: Several U.S. citizens went to dinner at Osaka restaurant. They walked down Chaza Lane towards Touré Drive, looking for a bajaji taxi to take them home. As they neared Touré, they were surrounded by four men who hit one victim over the head with a bottle and the assailants stole an iPhone, BlackBerry, and a few thousand Tanzanian Shillings. Fortunately, no one was seriously hurt.

Saturday, August 24, midnight: A few men threw Molotov cocktails at parishioners attending a nighttime service at the Tanzanian Lutheran Evangelical Church in the Segerea District of Dar es Salaam. Fortunately no one was injured, but both the altar and the clergyman's vehicle were set ablaze.

Sunday, August 18, 2100 hours: A woman approached a guard at an NGO compound and offered him a plate of rice. The guard initially refused but the woman insisted, offering the food on credit. The guard started to eat the food but quickly fell asleep. A team entered the compound, stole computers and files from the office as well as four vehicles. The guard was found unconscious in the morning and spent two days in the hospital recovering from the drug overdose. One of the vehicles was abandoned and recovered, though the license plates had been changed.

Thursday, August 15, 0235 hours: Security personnel at three U.S. citizen residences radioed the mobile patrol that they heard calls for help from a compound under construction. Seven men had scaled the wall and tied up the four guards. One guard managed to call for help and the mobile patrol responded quickly enough to arrest two men who had loaded a truck with stolen materials. At 0600, an alert security guard noted three robbers were hidden in a nearby tree and he radioed our mobile patrol assistance. The men were detained and delivered to the police.

Wednesday, August 14, morning: A young man apparently under the influence of drugs smashed the side view mirror of a U.S. citizen's vehicle when she was stuck in downtown traffic. A nearby police officer refused to pursue the man.



Tuesday, August 13, 0245 hours: A security guard at a U.S. citizen’s residence heard a commotion on the street and radioed the mobile patrol. Four mobile patrols responded and detained three suspects on a bajaji taxi as they attempted to flee with burglary tools and crude weapons. The security guards turned them over to the police.

Sunday, August 11, afternoon: A U.S. citizen used his credit card to purchase groceries at the Village Supermarket at the Sea Cliff shopping mall. Ninety minutes later, his bank in the United States contacted him about suspicious purchases on the card which started shortly after he departed the store.

Wednesday, August 7, late afternoon: Two men on a motorbike threw acid on two female British tourists while they walked on the street of Stone Town, Zanzibar. The women were modestly dressed and had no prior interaction with the men who attacked them.

Wednesday, August 7, 2140 hours: A security guard at a U.S. citizen's residence heard commotion in the street and radioed the mobile patrol. Criminals in a white Toyota Cresta intercepted a bajaji taxi and ordered the driver to dismount. When he refused to relinquish his vehicle, several men with machetes attacked him. A security mobile patrol took the injured driver to the police station.

Saturday, July 12, 2330 hours: An expat woman left a Msasani bar and took a bajaji taxi home alone. The driver stopped on a dirt road and pushed her out. A van immediately pulled up and several assailants raped and robbed her.

Saturday, June 29, 0043 hours: A security guard at a U.S. citizen's residence heard a thud and screaming. He radioed for mobile patrol assistance and found that a pedestrian walking on the shoulder had been struck by a car. The security company's mobile patrol responded and found the injured victim, a disabled vehicle, and a passenger. The company brought the police to the scene and took the injured party to the hospital.

Comments:

Some of these incidents were serious, tragic, and incredibly unfortunate. A principal similarity among these incidents is that many of the victims were tourists, short-term visitors, or recent arrivals to the area. We ask you to "think security" before you leave home or work. Incorporate security practices into your daily routine.

Security Reminders:
This is a reminder that whether in the U.S. or overseas there is always the potential for the threat of harassment, violence, or criminal acts. Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to increase your security awareness. Keep a low profile while commuting, doing errands, or pursuing leisure activities.

Maximize your awareness and minimize your risks.

Pedestrians, Joggers, Cyclists:

Activities such as jogging, cycling, and walking in areas such as Coco Beach are risky. If you are going to engage in such activities, then maximize your awareness and minimize the risks:

· Ban backpacks and purses. They attract thieves.​

· Select routes where you can run, walk, or bike on the shoulder. Consider heading "counter flow" so you can see the traffic (if it is safe to do so).​

· Don't wear headphones. If you insist, then only wear one earpiece so you can listen to the area around you.​

· Don't be alone. Make a friend. Walking, jogging, or biking alone is a bad idea.​

· Where/When: Location and time of day are key factors. Never walk, run or bike after dark. You're invisible to traffic but highly visible to thieves.​

· Consider wearing bright reflective clothing so you stand out.​

​

AVOID walking/biking near: Touré Drive, Coco Beach, Ubungo Bus Station, South Beach Ferry area, or any place where there aren't houses on both sides of the road. Assailants like to hide in or escape to areas with brush and/or areas with crowds. If you go to the South Beach Ferry or the Ubungo Bus Station, then arrive and depart in a secured vehicle.

Maximize Awareness/Minimize Risk:

· Do not carry a wallet and excess gear. Do not wear flashy watches, jewelry or carry electronics. Just carry a concealed cell phone and the minimum amount of cash that you need that day.​

· DO NOT CARRY ATM, CREDIT or DEBIT CARDS or you may find yourself on a tour of a lifetime visiting ATM machines until your credit limit is maxed out.​

· International criminal groups are stealing debit and credit card information using sophisticated card skimming hardware and software. There is a history in Dar of card "skimming" and we strongly urge you to be very wary while using ATMs in Tanzania.​

Vehicle Security:

​

· Carry your phone(s) with you at all times with the ringer on.​

· Vary your times and routes; change your schedule and routine.​

· Be aware of your surroundings.​

· Lock your doors.​

· Close your windows.​

· Set the alarm (if you have one) when you park.​

· Secure bags in the trunk or leave them at home. Bags attract thieves. Cars are glass boxes. If you leave a bag on the seat, someone may break the glass.​

· Secure (and hide) all electronic items: cell phone, GPS, IPod, IPad, computer, and handheld radios.​

· If you are driving around Dar late at night be especially cautious when stopped at traffic lights. In order to avoid assault at isolated intersections, some drivers refuse to stop at lights and decide to proceed cautiously after slowing down. Intersections may be dangerous at night whether you have a green light or not.​

· When driving in traffic, ensure you leave adequate space between your car and the vehicle ahead. Maintaining a space cushion in front of you is particularly important when stopped in traffic. The practice enables you to maneuver your way out of a sticky situation.​

· Refill your gas tank anytime it is half full to avoid running out of gas at a bad time or place.​

​

Taxi Time:

· Take legitimate taxis from a car service, hotel, or restaurant. Refer to this Security Notice for more information on taxis.​

· Photograph the front or back of the taxi showing the license plate and send it to a friend.​

· Ask for the driver's name and cell (which implies future business) and send it to a friend.​

· Test the doors and windows before you get in. Child locked doors and tinted windows are a bad sign. Find another cab.​

· Don't take bajaji taxis, daladalas, or hail unknown taxis on the street.​

· Don't take taxis hailed by people you just met.​

· Don't take taxis that have other passengers in them.​

· If a taxi stops for gas, get out.​

· If a taxi stops for other passengers, get out.​

Residential Security:

· Lock all doors and security grills--especially at night. Check that they are secured.​

· Ensure windows and fire escape grills are secured.​

· If you have a safe-haven, use it and lock it at night.​

· Ensure your cell phones and telephones are both accessible and in working order.​

· Use your alarm system if you have one.​

· Immediately repair any faulty security equipment (grills, security lights, walls, anti-climb devices, doors, etc).​

For additional information on safety in Tanzania, please refer to our Security Messages for U.S. Citizens on the Embassy's website.
We strongly urge U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Tanzania to enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy to contact you in case of an emergency. If you don't have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Regularly monitor the State Department's website where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for Tanzania. For additional information, refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad" on the State Department's website.

Contact the U.S. Embassy for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free from within the United States and Canada, or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow us on Twitter and Facebook, or you can download our free Smart Traveler App, available through iTunes and the Google Play store, to have travel information at your fingertips.

U.S. Embassy Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
686 Old Bagamoyo Road, Msasani
Tel: [+255] (22) 229-4000
Fax: [+255] (22) 229-4721
Email: DRSACS@state.gov After-hour emergencies: Call the number listed above and press ‘1’ to reach the emergency operator.

 

[isotope]

The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens to review their personal security habits periodically in light of a number of recent incidents involving expats on or near Msasani Peninsula in Dar es Salaam.

Adapt to the environment - Tanzania is rated ‘critical' for crime.

· Be alert.
· Minimize your exposure.
· Use security equipment.
· Trust your instincts.
· If you see something, say something.

Kumbe wamarekani wanapoitikia chorus yetu ya 'Tanzania ni kisiwa cha amani' huwa kimoyomoyo wanatung'ong'a eeh.

 

[Stroke]

Kumbe wamarekani wanapoitikia chorus yetu ya 'Tanzania ni kisiwa cha amani' huwa kimoyomoyo wanatung'ong'a eeh.

petty offences, ambazo hata kwao zipo na zaidi ya hapa...

 

[Lunyungu]

petty offences, ambazo hata kwao zipo na zaidi ya hapa...

Huwa wako focused na maslahi ya Nchi yao,

 

[Nyakageni]

Wako alert sana. Well done, well won!

 

[Ulukolokwitanga]

Hii Ni aibu kubwa kwa Tanzania, jeshi la polisi limeshindwa kukabiliana na matukio haya ya unyang'anyi sasa yanatia nchi aibu. Haya matukio huku uswahilini Ni mengi zaidi, only sasa yamefika mitaa ya wadosi na polisi hawachukui hatua. Hii itazuia hata watalii kuja.

Kitendo cha Kikwete kuendelea kumbeba shemeji yake Said Mwema huku Hana uwezo WA kupambana na uhalifu ndio aibu hii. Mwema Ni janga la kidunia

 

[Nicholas]

petty offences, ambazo hata kwao zipo na zaidi ya hapa...

unaonaje siku moja mama yako au amkeo akibakwa na njemba 4, halfu zina ngoma km long term problem, na gono km short term problem na kamimba ka mdogo au mwanao wa nje mwathirika...?Itabaki kuwa petty offenses.

Kumbe akili yako ni tope kila mahali km ya kova.

 

[SHERRIF ARPAIO]

Taxi Time:

· Take legitimate taxis from a car service, hotel, or restaurant. Refer to this Security Notice for more information on taxis.
· Photograph the front or back of the taxi showing the license plate and send it to a friend.
· Ask for the driver's name and cell (which implies future business) and send it to a friend.
· Test the doors and windows before you get in. Child locked doors and tinted windows are a bad sign. Find another cab.
· Don't take bajaji taxis, daladalas, or hail unknown taxis on the street.
· Don't take taxis hailed by people you just met.
· Don't take taxis that have other passengers in them.
· If a taxi stops for gas, get out.
· If a taxi stops for other passengers, get out

Duu hii ni kali, kumbe teksii mjini ni kimeo

 

[Nicholas]

Taxi Time:

· Take legitimate taxis from a car service, hotel, or restaurant. Refer to this Security Notice for more information on taxis.
· Photograph the front or back of the taxi showing the license plate and send it to a friend.
· Ask for the driver's name and cell (which implies future business) and send it to a friend.
· Test the doors and windows before you get in. Child locked doors and tinted windows are a bad sign. Find another cab.
· Don't take bajaji taxis, daladalas, or hail unknown taxis on the street.
· Don't take taxis hailed by people you just met.
· Don't take taxis that have other passengers in them.
· If a taxi stops for gas, get out.
· If a taxi stops for other passengers, get out

Duu hii ni kali, kumbe teksii mjini ni kimeo

Haya yote hata mimi huwa nafanya..ni kweli kabisa...bado vinywaji baa,..restaurant,kuwahi kula chakula kikifia mezani..niliwahi ona mtu kapokea simu ghafla wakati menu ikija mezani...baadaye jamaa mwenzie akaanza tapika vibaya, guest house na hotel milango hadi ya kadi hufunguliwa na watu wasiojulikana(kadi imeandikiwa wapi ...?)...chumba chenye ceiling ukikuta holder ya bulb imeamishwa lile tundu ni sehemu ya chabo unawekaje vitu vya thamani...

Niliwahi fuata mzigo sehemu fulani....wa hela nyingi..baada ya kuongea dili jamaa akafanya kila sababu ili dili tumalize kesho baada ya kugundua kuwa nina hela..niliporudi nilipolala nikaagiza bia nyingi km ninaenda shinda chumbani..nikatokea mlango wa nyuma nikasepa huku nikiwa nimelipia kila kitu , nikatembea umbali mrefu sana kisha nikachukua toyo 2 tofauti, nikaenda lala guest bubu mbali sana, km vile naenda piga cha fasta,bahati nzuri nilishai survey mchana na kuona haina attention sana na huko hukaa watu wa fasta..Asubuhi nikakuta watu wamejeruhiwa sana , baada ya jamaa kuingia usiku chumba hadi chumba......asubuhi nikamuamkia jamaa tukamalizana dili nikasepa.Karibu ajinyee....

-Hii ndio bongo...jamaa fulani arusha walikosa meza wakakaa nami,tukapata bia sana na sikuwa mchoyo....ila wakati wa kuondoka nilipokuwa nataka chukua taxi wakaniambia nao wanakwenda niendapo kwanini tusichukue moja, ghafla hali ikawa tofauti...luckily niliwazidi nguvu na akili wakasepa.Siku hiyo hiyo mchana mama wa kizungu alidanganywa kuwa kuna kitu kinaning`inia ktk gari lake kwa nyuma chini na moshi kumbe walifunga siju tambi..mama kushuka jamaa wakaingia ndani, mchana kweupe.

-Hii ndio TZ...wanatumia nondo,panga, visu na bunduki..bila kujua wanchoiba kipo worth it, au hasara wanayosababisha na wanachotaka vinalingana.So watch out...

Haya ni baadhi ya matukio tuu niliwahi kutana nayo mengine mengi sana sihitaji hata yaandika hapa...ni vyema ukawa mbunifu, ukawa na resources sahihi km hela cash, hela ktk atm,ktk mpesa na ufute sms zenye salio...uwe unpredictable, jua wapi uzuge ili usile vyakula hatarishi bila washtua wengine, usiage, taxi uichukuayo isikufikishe exactly unapolala km si sehmu yenye ulinzi binafsi mkubwa,usiongelee ktk simu makubaliano ya kulipana hela na kiasi gani huku ukienda au ukitoka ktk ATM huku ukiwa ktk taxi, ukichuku hela bank au ktk ATM..haraka tenga hela za matumizi yafuatayo bila kuzidi sana weka ktk wallet,nyingine weka kwingine ili kuepusha kutoa hela nyingi ili utoe malipo...km huna nafasi ingia ktk bar au choo cha kulipia tenganisha hela..otherwise utajikuta unatoa mill 10 ili ulipe soda..baada ya mhudumu kukuwia mkali...

Usipende kwenda na dreva taxi wako kila mara bank na ktk ATM,bank au M-Pesa ....atakuwa amesha establish kiasi gani huwa unachukua au kupeleka.

Ukiingia ktk hotel jaribu angalia possible areas za kuficha hela..hepuak godoro,kabati....socks,chupi au suruali,viatu..majambazi wanaweza vipenda viatu vyako,au suruali.

 

[mayenga]

Ahsante sana Mkuu Nicholas

 

[Nyakageni]

Wamarekani wako makini sana. I love it

 

[Commanche]

Serikali makini huangalia na kujali maslahi na usalama wa raia wake popote walipo duniani. Amerika oyee!

 

[wilchuma]

Ndo maana smtm I wish ningekuwa mmarekan!

 

[cacico]

They realy care for their citizens! Mabalozi wetu huko nje wana kazi ya kuzaliana tu na kuongeza mzigo nchini mwetu! Puuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu! Big UP to americans, ndio maana watu fulani wanawahara!

 

[SHERRIF ARPAIO]

They realy care for their citizens! Mabalozi wetu huko nje wana kazi ya kuzaliana tu na kuongeza mzigo nchini mwetu! Puuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu! Big UP to americans, ndio maana watu fulani wanawahara!

Unenichekesha sana.