Windhoek - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Don't be fooled by the zen serenity in Windhoek. In 16 years in Africa, including 3 in Nairobbery, the only place I got held up was in Windhoek, at knifepoint, in front of my own house. They wanted my iPhone. I didn't go running with a phone again after that. - Jan 2021
Windhoek is rated high for crime. Crimes here are generally petty theft (pick-pocketing and robberies - cell phones are often targeted). We rarely see violent crimes here. Most crimes are crimes of opportunity (such as leaving a purse sitting on a car seat). - Jan 2016
There have been issues among the community but I have not experienced any in our family. Use street smarts and keep valuables out of sight when parking. Lock up and follow rules. - Jun 2015
Petty thefts (and not-so-petty thefts) are a big problem here---the gap between the haves and have-nots in Namibia is stark. U.S. Embassy homes are equipped with guards, alarms, electric fences, and metal bars on all of the windows and doors---and if you set them all, you won't have any problems. If you don't... well, there have been break-ins at embassy residences where people weren't so security conscious. Most of those are those of opportunity, so don't leave anything valuable or shiny in your cars. - May 2013
Crime is pretty high, especially robberies. - Jan 2013
Petty crime is quite high, thus the need for security alarms and high walls and wiring. Most of the crime is property only, and not violent. Being cautious is key. - Jul 2012
