This very important post by Christiaan Auret Vorster : Big thanks to Carlos Carvalho and Nuno Rosario Having lived in Moz for quite some time; harassment from the authorities is not unbeknownst to me especially driving with SA plates. Earlier I was pulled over by cops in a rather empty road. There was only grey uniform cops present. After presenting my documents (which are all in order), the ‘officer’ accused me of going up a one way at some in point in time. I am in two minds if there was such a transgression. I respectfully objected but conceded that if there was a mistake made on my part that I will take the fine and go pay it right away, no problem. I insisted also that he wrote down the name of the road which is the reported ‘one way’ which is the origin of the reported transgression. At this point he wanted to get into my vehicle. I refused in the politest manner that I could muster at that point. Again I insisted on the fine. I do have to concede a mistake: I had quite a lot of money, on me in my ‘man pouch’ (its not a handbag) which he saw when I took out my licence. I started to see where this was going when he insisted to get in my car and that ‘we talk’ and that I ‘pay now’ without getting an official fine. He proceeded to blatantly demand a bribe or I will be arrested which would render him a criminal (by demanding a bribe). Through pure frustration I started imagining how possible it would be to disarm him and place him under citizen’s arrest for demanding a bribe. Luckily saner heads prevailed and it was it this point when things were getting a little bit hairy that I called a very good friend Nuno Rosario. Keep in mind this is 30 minutes into this debacle and my opponent was not yet showing signs of fatigue with my unwillingness to pay a bribe whilst being quite cooperative and friendly. Nuno referred me to Carlos, I am not sure what Carlos discussed with my new friend but 5 minutes later the phone was handed back to me. My documents was handed back, the officer came in with his last haymaker attempt to elicit a bribe or at least something to show for the last 30 minutes. I smiled and drove off. I would not easily resort to phoning Nuno or Carlos but this was getting borderline. I can’t help think how this, such a small thing and many other similar experiences could quickly go very wrong; it’s a very fine line.. So again shout out to Carlos for the assistance and Nuno as well.
Posted on: Fri, 14 Nov 2014 20:24:41 +0000