Photo: Screenshot from the website of the Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe

 
The Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe on Saturday issued a safety alert for Chinese nationals and businesses following several incidents including vehicle smash-and-grab robberies and traffic accidents causing casualties. The embassy urged Chinese companies, institutions, and nationals in the country to heighten risk awareness and strengthen security measures to ensure personal and property safety. 

According to the statement, the embassy has recently learned of several security incidents involving Chinese enterprises and nationals in Zimbabwe. Some company residences, offices, and mining sites suffered from armed robbery, resulting in property losses, and multiple Chinese nationals were involved in traffic accidents that caused casualties. 

The embassy advises Chinese nationals to pay close attention to the local security situation and the risk alerts issued by the embassy, business associations, community groups, as well as the Zimbabwean government and media, and remain calm, avoid physical confrontation with criminals, and prioritize personal safety above all in an emergency. 

The embassy advises Chinese nationals and businesses to conduct thorough inspections and upgrades of security facilities at residences, offices, and worksites to eliminate risks and vulnerabilities, strengthen security personnel and hire qualified security teams, enhance employee safety training and emergency drills, and prepare contingency plans for potential security risks, familiarize staff with procedures for reporting emergencies and methods of avoiding danger. 

The embassy also urged Chinese nationals in Zimbabwe to stay vigilant when traveling, maintain communication with relatives and colleagues, and avoid potential risks. It warned against carrying large amounts of cash and falling victim to scams by fake law-enforcement personnel. Drivers were advised to watch for suspicious tailing, keep valuables out of vehicles, be cautious of unknown individuals approaching them, and avoid remote or high-risk areas.

The embassy also advised avoiding travel during heavy rain or at night and assessing safety conditions before entering mountainous or mining areas. It called on Chinese enterprises to operate legally, respect local religions and customs, maintain good community relations, and safeguard employees’ rights and welfare.

Global Times