Harare - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
I think local medical care is a joke. The Health Unit has nice staff, but in my opinion needs to be better prepared and equipped. - Jan 2024
Low crime even though the post is rated high crime. You have 24/7 guards. Don't get complacent, I heard there was a recent "smash and grab" while someone was driving at night. - May 2021
it's quite safe right now, especially relative to neighboring South Africa. That said, with the economic crisis, crime is getting worse, and there is a risk of deeper instability. - Feb 2020
It is pretty safe here right now, but the political and economic problems could change that in a second. - Feb 2019
I haven't had any problems with security, and you are generally safe. There are reports of smash and grabs at red lights in the evening, and as well as people stealing gas from parked cars. - Apr 2018
The odd house break-in but nothing that we ever worried about. - Sep 2017
Harare is pretty safe considering the level of poverty in the country. Many people have 24-hour guards, alarm systems, electric wire etc. - Jul 2017
Pretty safe country although there are break-ins that occur. Security guard services are readily available. - Jul 2017
The crime levels aren't that high - nowhere near South African levels. Still, it is not advisable to walk alone at night as many streetlights are broken and it can be very dark. There is some opportunistic crime - pickpocketing and phone snatching - but not that much. Some people have had house robberies, and many houses have alarms, high walls, razor or electric wire etc. It's possible to hire a night watchman for about US$500 a month - some people get one between several houses on one street to make it affordable. Overall though, Harare does not feel like a dangerous city, but with the economy in crisis there are some desperate people out there so caution is advised. - Apr 2016
Some crime but nothing like in the major metropolises on this continent. I never lock my car. - Dec 2013
Home invasions are a constant threat, but being vigilant and knowing your weak spots (staff being coerced or threatened, not relying on any one method of security) will help out. Also, when commuting from the airport at night, do not stop at the intersection from the airport to Glenara Rd, do not even slow down. That is a major smash and grab spot. Sometimes car thefts (valuables from the car) occur with teams of people; one will distract the driver and the other will pilfer the vehicle. - Jul 2013
Increasing. Harare is still extraordinarily safe, particularly when compared with South Africa. However, there have been more break-ins lately. - Jun 2009
Yes. With 80% unemployment, 220 million% inflation and a non-functioning government things are getting worse. - Dec 2008
Currently security on the decline, however we feel very safe most of the time. There are occasional smash and grabs, and there are house robberies particularly if you don't turn on your alarm or have a well secured property. - Sep 2008
