Warden Messages

Safety Warning for Thetsane Area.  Sept. 29th , 2006

Dear Fellow American Citizens in Lesotho:

The U.S. Embassy strongly encourages American citizens for their personal safety to be extremely vigilant in the Thetsane area of Maseru.  The Embassy has received and verified two reports of nighttime robberies that occurred over the period September 27-28.
There are no indications that these were targeted attacks.  The police have been notified and are conducting investigations.

In the first incident, armed gunmen stopped the vehicle of a family and held them up at gunpoint.  Shots were fired, but wounds sustained were reported as not life-threatening.  In the second incident armed gunmen stopped the driver of a vehicle.  The driver sustained minor injuries while fending off one attacker using an iron bar.  The robbers were successful in stealing personal items.

The Embassy reminds all U.S. citizens of the high level of crime in Maseru.  You are therefore advised to take all appropriate measures to ensure your safety, including remaining vigilant about your surroundings and avoiding potentially dangerous locations.  We note that the Thetsane area of Maseru is a popular route for those traveling to Morija and other points south

U.S. citizens living in or traveling in Lesotho are encouraged 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.

The Consular Section of the Embassy in Maseru, Lesotho is located at 254 Kingsway Avenue, Maseru 100.  American citizens can call 22-312-666 during office hours from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 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 consularmaseru@state.gov.

Thank you.