Warden Message 2007, Number 6

April 3, 2007

This is a warden message from the U.S. Embassy in Harare.

This weekend the Zimbabwean Republic Police (ZRP) raided Glow, an up-scale nightclub in Borrowdale, detaining more than 80 people and beating several.  The ZRP is increasingly using excessive force including in enforcing a widespread closure of bars and beer halls in the southern high-density suburbs.  Given the rising tension across Harare and the behavior of the ZRP, the Embassy reminds American Citizens to avoid any large gathering, including political rallies, and to be circumspect on the bars and nightclubs they visit, particularly in the high-density suburbs.  American citizens should always carry photo identification, such as a Zimbabwean government-issued I.D. or a photocopy of their passport, and carry a mobile phone or other means of communication at all times.

In an effort to reflect better the current distribution of Americans who are resident in or frequent visitors to Zimbabwe, the US Embassy has re-drawn our consular warden zones and updated our consular warden registration system.  We have also recruited several new wardens to replace volunteers who have left the country.  Accordingly, many of you will be contacted in coming days by a new warden to introduce themselves and update your local contact information.  We very much appreciate those who have volunteered their time to fulfill this important mission.  If you have any questions about the warden system, or want to volunteer your time as a warden, I’d be happy to answer your questions.

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 the current Worldwide Cautions, 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. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

American citizens can register their presence in Zimbabwe via the Internet at http://harare.usembassy.gov or in person at the U.S. Embassy in Harare, located at 172 Herbert Chitepo Avenue (Tel. 263-4-250-593/4/5).  In the event of an after-hours emergency, please call the above number and ask to be transferred to the duty officer.