Policia

Today was our first encounter with the Mozambique police. We had been told by various people to always carry our passports, as the police frequently stop foreigners, wanting to check their documents. We had just left the hotel and turned out onto the street accompanied by Raymond, Julie’s local contact. As we passed the two officers, they asked to see our passports. Kylee had not brought hers and immediately turned around to retrieve it.

Although they merely checked ours, while we waited for Kylee, two other guys passed by and did not have their papers with them. The officer would not let them go, instead repeating over and over the importance of carrying their documents. Finally he told them to go back to where they were staying, another local ministry, and return with them. Immediately after they left, the officers demeanor completely changed. He turned to Todd, calling him ‘good friend’ and asking where he was from. Just as I began to wonder what had suddenly created this change, the officer mentioned that he was ‘thirsty’ and needed money for something to drink. After we payed him 50 meticais (about $2), we continued on our way. Later we saw the two guys that had been stopped. They had been told by their ministry not to return with their passports, and instead travel on the beach, where the police were not allowed. Most of the locals we have talked to say that bribery is a fairly standard part of business transactions. This seems not only frustrating but immoral and definitely prompted many conversations between the Kylee, Todd and myself about how not to become bitter towards the culture because of it. Last night though, Julie told us that 50 meticais is one day’s wage here. So, there is an atmosphere here where people make $60 US a month, if they are lucky enough to find work at all. $60! A fraction of what I make in ONE DAY. There are many structural evils here that breed things like bribes, theft and violence. Knowing the more personal moment to moment absolute struggle of the people here has helped turn any potential bitterness we could have had to understanding and just feeling compassion for the population here.