Emergency Services Contacts

Ambulance, Fire and Police Services

Access to emergency services such as ambulance, fire and police services is critical for ensuring your safety during emergencies. Below is a list of ambulance, fire and police services for the specified countries, including emergency contact information and service details available in each country. For more accurate and up-to-date information, we advise to verify with local authorities.

Emergency Numbers Quick View

South Africa

• Police: 10111

• Ambulance: 10177

• Fire: 10177

Botswana

• Police: 999

• Ambulance: 997

• Fire: 998

Eswatini

• Police: 999

• Ambulance: 977

• Fire: 933

Lesotho

• Police: 123

• Ambulance: 121

• Fire: 112

Namibia

• Police: 10111

• Ambulance: 112

• Fire: 211111

Malawi

• Police: 997

• Ambulance: 998

• Fire: 999

Mozambique

• Police: 119

• Ambulance: 117

• Fire: 198

Zambia

• Police: 991

• Ambulance: 993

• Fire: 992

Zimbabwe

• Police: 995

• Ambulance: 994

• Fire: 993

Angola

• Police: 113

• Ambulance: 112

• Fire: 115

DRC

• Police: 112

• Ambulance: 118

• Fire: 112

Tanzania

• Police: 112/999

• Ambulance: 114

• Fire: 114

Kenya

• Police: 999/112

• Ambulance: 999

• Fire: 999

Uganda

• Police: 112/999

• Ambulance: 912

• Fire: 112

Rwanda

• Police: 112

• Ambulance: 912

• Fire: 111

Burundi

• Police: 117

• Ambulance: 118

• Fire: 112

Truck Driver Risk Assessment

Purpose:

To identify and highlight major risks for truck drivers operating across multiple African countries, with a focus on road conditions and personal safety.

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South Africa

• Road Conditions: Good highways; rural and township roads can have potholes and poor signage.

• Risks: High accident rates in urban areas, hijacking hotspots (notably around Johannesburg, Durban).

• Driver Safety: Avoid night driving in high-crime zones; use secure truck stops.

Botswana

• Road Conditions: Generally good on main highways; secondary roads can have animal crossings and potholes.

• Risks: Wildlife & livestock on roads (especially at night), long stretches without services.

• Driver Safety: Plan refueling stops carefully; nighttime driving not recommended outside cities.

Eswatini (Swaziland)

• Road Conditions: Fair; some rural roads poorly maintained.

• Risks: Livestock and pedestrians on roads, fog in highlands.

• Driver Safety: Drive cautiously in rural areas and during early mornings.

Lesotho

• Road Conditions: Mountainous and often unpaved outside main towns.

• Risks: Steep terrain, snow in winter months, limited roadside assistance.

• Driver Safety: Check weather reports, carry basic recovery equipment.

Namibia

• Road Conditions: Good in urban areas and major routes; gravel roads dominate elsewhere.

• Risks: Dust storms, animal crossings, long remote stretches.

• Driver Safety: Carry extra fuel and water.

Malawi

• Road Conditions: Narrow and heavily used; potholes common.

• Risks: Overloaded or uneven loaded vehicles, slow-moving traffic, minimal lighting.

• Driver Safety: Maintain safe speeds, avoid night driving.

Mozambique

• Road Conditions: Mixed; main routes like Maputo corridor are better, but rural roads can be hazardous.

• Risks: Police checks, road ambushes in certain provinces.

• Driver Safety: Stick to known routes, travel in convoy if possible, keep documents easily accessible.

Zambia

• Road Conditions: Good on main highways; off-main roads are rough and can flood.

• Risks: Poor lighting at night, potholes, overloaded or uneven loaded vehicles.

• Driver Safety: Travel during daylight, ensure good vehicle maintenance.

Zimbabwe

• Road Conditions: Major roads fair but deteriorating; rural roads often poor.

• Risks: Police roadblocks, road collapse risks in rainy season.

• Driver Safety: Stay calm at checkpoints, respect speed limits strictly, travel during daylight.

Angola

• Road Conditions: Improving, but potholes and construction common.

• Risks: Road bandits in remote regions, poor signage.

• Driver Safety: Use recommended routes only; avoid driving at night.

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

• Road Conditions: Extremely poor outside major cities; many roads are impassable in rainy season.

• Risks: Armed groups in some regions, heavy traffic congestion, bridges in bad condition.

• Driver Safety: Use only secure and verified routes, hire local guides if necessary.

Tanzania

• Road Conditions: Major highways good; rural roads variable.

• Risks: Overloaded or uneven loaded vehicles, stray animals, banditry near border areas.

• Driver Safety: Use reputable parking facilities, avoid isolated routes at night.

Kenya

• Road Conditions: Nairobi highways good; rural areas vary greatly.

• Risks: Carjacking, traffic corruption, road accidents from reckless matatu (minibus taxi) drivers.

• Driver Safety: Lock doors, be cautious in urban congestion, follow convoy movement where possible.

Uganda

• Road Conditions: Fair; rural areas often muddy and difficult especially in rainy season.

• Risks: Poor vehicle maintenance culture among local traffic, random police checks.

• Driver Safety: Defensive driving critical; verify police stops.

Rwanda

• Road Conditions: Very good relative to the region; well-maintained main roads.

• Risks: Steep mountain roads; fog in highlands.

• Driver Safety: Cautious driving in hilly regions, respect speed limits strictly.

Burundi

• Road Conditions: Poor to fair; urban centers better.

• Risks: Civil unrest risk in certain areas, rough rural tracks.

• Driver Safety: Stay updated on local security advisories; avoid rural driving after dark.

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General Safety Tips Across All Regions

• Avoid night driving where possible.

• Maintain regular contact with your base or colleagues.

• Check vehicle condition daily (tyres, lights, brakes, fluids).

• Know local emergency numbers and locations of safe truck stops.

• Keep personal documents (passport, driving license, permits) secure but accessible.

• Stay updated on local security alerts and travel advisories.