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Tit for Tat?

Foreign nationals in Pretoria are complaining that they are being harassed by the cops. I know exactly what it feels like.

Apparently, cops are using foreign nationals as “ATM’s.” Whenever these corrupt cops need money, they simply stop, search, and harass a foreigner, until a bribe is paid.

Foreigners are too scared to come forward because they fear victimisation and ill-treatment at the hands of those who are supposed to be in charge of “law enforcement.”

Those who know me know that I hold a very low opinion of cops in general, and specifically, those of this godforsaken country.

I have served on the Community Policing Forum (CPF) in our neighbourhood for many years. Using my own time and money – patrolling, keeping the community safe, and doing the job the cops are supposed to be doing.

In my experience, most cops are completely incompetent, uncommitted, and the vast majority of them are uneducated, lack proper training, and are unqualified for the job they are supposed to do.

Cops do not seem to realise that, first and foremost, they are public servants – they are there to serve the public – and we, the public, pay their salaries.

As it is, most companies and private citizens now have to employ security companies, at significant expense, to do the job the cops are too ineffective and useless to do.

But, let me tell you of my experience as a foreign national.

There I was, alone in my car, driving back from Inhasorro in Mozambique; about 60 kilometers north of Xai-Xai. All of a sudden, a cop steps out of the bush and waves me down. I pull off the road, and wait for him – while his buddy stands at a safe distance.

This guy has obviously been watching too many American cop movies on TV. Black pants, white shirt, holstered revolver on a wide belt, flashy shoes, and wrap-around duck glassis.

“You haven’t got your safety belt on,” he says.

I undo my safety belt, and say to him: “So what is this then?”

“You only put that on when you saw me. The fine is 150 meticais (about R50.00). You can pay it to me.”

“I refuse to pay, and I’m going to report you at Xai-Xai.”

“Very well,” he says, laughing, “I will radio ahead to the police station at Xai-Xai, they will deal with you there. If you fail to report there, they will arrest you at the border when you cross back into South Africa.”

At the Xai-Xai cop shop, no one wanted to help me, and I spent almost three hours waiting for the “Commissioner” to come to the police station. He never pitched.

In the end, I paid the 150 meticais to a cop who has been in radio contact (and clearly in cahoots) with the bastard who pulled me off the road in the first place.

Back in Pretoria, I phoned the “High Commission of Mozambique.” I spoke to an “Ambassador” who asked me just one killer question: “Have you got the policeman’s name – the one you accuse of taking a bribe?”

Of course I didn’t have it – it seems as if the cops in Mozambique are not required to wear nametags.

“Obrigado e adeus.”

So there you have it: I have also been used as a foreign ATM by corrupt cops in a neighbouring country.

I’m not sure if I should sympathise with the foreigner nationals who have to pay bribes to OUR corrupt cops… A bit of tit for tat, you know.

PS   I have sent several e-mails to the “High Commission of Mozambique” in Pretoria. (highcomm@embamoc.co.za)

They never even bothered to answer.

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