Warden Message

Warden Message
U.S. Embassy
Maseru, Lesotho
April 28, 2008

Carjacking Incident in Maseru

This warden message is being issued to inform American citizens in Lesotho of a recent carjacking.  The potential for carjacking remains high in Lesotho.  

On the weekend of April 20th, armed assailants carjacked a vehicle carrying an expatriate employee of an international non-governmental organization and a passenger after smashing the vehicle’s windows and robbing the individuals.  The incident took place after dark near the junction of the Main Road South and the Maseru bypass road.  Though briefly detained by assailants, the driver and passenger were released unharmed.

The incident is a critical reminder of the need to be alert at all times when operating a motor vehicle in Lesotho.  Security incidents of this nature tend to occur after dark.  Be alert to suspicious vehicles; divert your routing and/or pull in to the nearest police station or well-lighted public area if you believe you are being followed or if approaching an unauthorized roadblock.  If you find yourself in a carjacking situation, it is recommended that you:

·         Stay as calm as possible and do not resist.
·         Comply immediately and completely; do nothing that will alarm the hijackers. 
·         Never initiate any movement yourself.  This may give the carjackers the impression that you are reaching for a gun or panic button. 
·         Do not motion with your hands.  Rather tell the hijackers where they can find items. 
·         Keep your hands clearly visible and as still as possible, ideally at chest level.  Do not raise them above your head as the carjackers may interpret this as an attempt to attract the attention of a passerby. 
·         Try by all means to listen and understand exactly what the carjackers want from you. 
·         Keep your eyes averted so as not to convey any sign of hesitation or defiance.  If you stare at the carjackers, they may think that you are trying to identify them. 

The U.S. Embassy in Maseru asks American citizens in Lesotho to report incidents that jeopardize your safety and security to the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate. 

The U.S. Embassy encourages U.S. citizens living in or traveling in Lesotho to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/, and to obtain updated information on travel and security in Lesotho. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

            The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Maseru, Lesotho is located at 254 Kingsway Avenue, Maseru 100.  American citizens can call 2231-2666 during office hours from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon on Friday.  For after-hours emergencies an American officer from the Embassy can be reached by cellular telephone at 5888-4035.  The e-mail address for the Consular Section in Maseru is USConsularMaseru@state.gov.