(Bill) Watch out! Dangerous Driver!

Yes, it is true.  I’ve been found out.  Last week I was cited for the second time in as many months for a traffic violation.  This time, we were heading out to meet some friends for dinner.  I was navigating a round-about when a police officer waved me to the side of the road.  Apparently, my particular brand of anarchic driving didn’t align closely enough with the rest of the anarchy surrounding us on all sides.  The officer was in a foul mood and handed me off to another officer whose expression indicated an even fouler mood.  Not a good sign if the arbiter of (in)justice is scowling even before approaching the car and any words are exchanged.

Long story, short, the lip-curled and nose-wrinkled officer takes my license away and issues a 10,000 Kwacha fine.  Apparently, I can have my license back after I go pay the fine at the police station (already closed) and come back to find her (hopefully).  Braced with the wisdom gained from my first “speeding” ticket, I didn’t lose my cool and proceeded to dinner with adrenaline making my legs feel wobbly as I got out of the car.

I’m learning many things from our time in Malawi and unfortunately, one of those things is how to deal with unjust traffic stops.   The next morning, I went to the police station (nary a potted plant or friendly cat poster anywhere!) and paid my $25 fine.  Poor Liam was terrified to even set foot inside the building for fear that he would get thrown in the slammer on account of his relationship with me.  I tracked down the ticketing officer at another station in town and after she pulled my license out of her back pocket and handed it over (sneer intact!) I walked out as quickly as I could. 

I didn’t want to protest the ticket for fear that I wouldn’t have enough reserve to keep my temper.   I also didn’t want to somehow legitimate the process by attempting to appeal within this farce of a system.  Our family can easily afford a $25 fine.  However, the real tragedy is for regular Malawians who have to suffer true derailment when such tickets are handed out.