Warden Messages

Carjackings

19 September 2006

The U.S. Embassy in Mozambique is issuing this message to notify Americans that the U.S. Embassy has received information about carjackings that recently occurred in the area directly west of Polana Cimento B between Avenida Salvador Allende and Avenida Vladimir Lenin in Maputo.  In these recent cases, thieves entered parked vehicles with occupants inside, used violent force including pistols, and in one case took a hostage and in another shot and killed the victim.  One incident occurred in the early morning and another in the early evening.
Although there is now an increased police presence along Avenida Salvador Allende, U.S. citizens are reminded to remain vigilant while driving anywhere in Mozambique.  Ensure that vehicle windows are up and doors are locked.  If you are dropping someone off, please do so quickly and avoid conversations in a parked vehicle.  Also, be aware that carjackers use multiple techniques to seize vehicles.  Often, carjackings involve multiple assailants.  Some of these techniques include the following:

1. Simple Commandeering – this technique was used in the scenarios noted above.  The attackers approach the vehicle while it is stopped, force the driver and any passengers out, and take the vehicle. 
2. The Bump – the attackers bump the victim’s vehicle from behind.  When the victim exits the vehicle to assess the damage and exchange information, the vehicle is taken.
3. Good Samaritan – the attackers stage what appears to be an accident.  They may simulate an injury.  The victim stops to assist and the vehicle is taken.
4. The Ruse – the vehicle behind the victim flashes its lights or the driver waves to get the victim’s attention.  The attackers indicate that there is a problem with the victim’s car to get the victim to pull over.  Once the victim pulls over, the vehicle is taken.
5. The Trap – the attackers use surveillance to follow the victim home.  When the victim waits for the gate to be opened, the attacker then block the victim’s escape and force the driver out of the vehicle.
6. The Roadblock – in this scenario, the attackers select an attack site on a roadway that can be easily blocked with items such as trees or stones.  Once a vehicle is forced to stop because of the obstruction, it is commandeered.  This technique is usually used in isolated locations.
7. The Moving Roadblock – the attackers use their vehicles to get in front and behind a target vehicle.  Once this occurs, the attackers in the front vehicle brake suddenly forcing the target vehicle to stop.  The vehicle is then commandeered.  Like the roadblock, this technique is normally used in remote or desolate areas.

In most cases, it is better not to resist a carjacking unless your life or the lives of other individuals are in imminent danger.  Please remember that the vehicle and any possessions inside are not worth your life, the lives of family members, or the lives of friends. 

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where current Worldwide Caution, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings can be found.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1 888 407 4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1 202 501 4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST, Monday to Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
 
The U.S. Embassy in Mozambique is located at 193 Avenida Kenneth Kaunda, Maputo
Telephone (258) 21 49 2797
Fax (258) 21 49 0448
Web site:  http://Mozambique.USEmbassy.gov
E-mail: ConsularMaputo@state.gov

The consular section is open Monday to Thursday 7:30 am to 4:00 pm (closed 12:00 to 1:00 pm) Friday 7:30 am - 11:00 am.

Visa interviews are normally conducted on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, so Americans seeking non-emergency services are requested to visit the consular section at other times.