Crime in Angola

Crime patterns and practical risks differ considerably by province and situation. Common risks include pickpocketing, bag or phone snatching, armed robbery, muggings, burglary, theft from stationary or slow-moving vehicles, carjacking, rape or sexual assault, scams and financial fraud. Foreign official advisories rate crime as high, particularly in Luanda, but the reviewed official sources did not provide a current nationwide prevalence series. Government statements described public security as stable and violent crime as reduced in the first half of 2024; operational figures such as 24 firearms seized and 2,162 suspects detained by the Polícia Nacional de Angola between 19 June and 2 July 2026 do not measure overall prevalence. The Polícia Nacional de Angola, or PNA, provides national public security. The Serviço de Investigação Criminal, or SIC, investigates criminal offences, including economic and cybercrime, and operates under prosecutorial oversight from the Ministério Público. The Ministério do Interior, or MININT, is the responsible sector authority. Crime in progress should be reported through the emergency channel listed by SIC as 111. Current local listings commonly give 113 for the police, while older PNA advice also uses 113, so the functioning number should be confirmed with local authorities or the nearest police unit. Non-emergency reports can be made in person, through SIC's electronic complaint service for covered offences, or through an identified electronic complaint process that validates the complainant's identity. Anonymous reporting is available on the SIC denúncia channel; non-covered cases should go to the nearest police authority. SIC publishes provincial and municipal contacts, and a report or reference number should be requested. A report should record the date, time and place, the factual sequence, victim contact details, suspect descriptions, witnesses, stolen or damaged property and serial or identification numbers. Preserve screenshots, URLs, messages, receipts and device or payment records, and avoid confronting a suspect. Practical access to formal services varies with province, language, internet access and police capacity. No uniform national filing fee or processing deadline was verified, and investigation duration can vary locally. Reduce exposure by avoiding solitary walks after dark, conspicuous jewellery, visible phones and large amounts of cash. Arrange transport for ATM or bank withdrawals, keep doors and windows secured, hide valuables in slow traffic and avoid walking through crowded markets or nightlife areas with valuables. Check the driver and vehicle of a taxi or app-based ride and share trip details. Avoid unsecured public Wi-Fi, use unique passwords and two-factor authentication, keep devices updated, and treat unexpected requests for passwords, PINs, one-time codes or QR scans as suspicious. After physical or sexual violence, move to a safe place and seek medical care. Medical documentation can support a police or SIC report. For domestic violence, MASFAMU's Centros de Aconselhamento Familiar, provincial or municipal social-action offices and the police or SIC may provide assistance; MASFAMU lists 15020 as a public channel, subject to local availability. Once criminal proceedings begin, the Domestic Violence Law provides victim status and can provide shelter access, preferential handling of evidence, institutional care, confidentiality and a reserved hearing. A prosecutor or judge may order protection measures within a maximum of 72 hours, including temporary shelter, no contact, psychosocial support for up to six months or exclusion from the residence, although practical coverage is not uniform. For abuse, sexual violence, exploitation, child labour, abandonment or trafficking involving a child, INAC and SOS Criança can be reached at 15015. The service is described by official MASFAMU information as free, anonymous, confidential and available 24 hours; cases may be referred to municipal social action, INAC, SIC or the PNA. A separate nationwide pathway for juvenile offenders was not clearly documented. SIC also accepts complaints about trafficking for sexual or labour exploitation, forced begging, slavery, organ removal and child exploitation. Digital crime includes phishing, malware, online extortion, false profiles, financial fraud and compromised accounts or payment instruments. SIC has competence for informática and economic crime, but no separate nationwide cybercrime hotline or portal was clearly verified beyond SIC channels. Contact the bank or service provider immediately to block affected accounts or payments, preserve evidence and report the incident to SIC or the PNA. Regional conditions require additional care. Cabinda has reported risks involving kidnapping, murder, sexual assault and separatist-group violence. Lunda Norte and Lunda Sul have reported tension around diamond areas, banditry, violence affecting foreigners and more limited services. Check current provincial conditions before travelling because security, reporting access and support availability can change locally.