So I got pulled over for “speeding” – which here in South Africa – is usually just a quick way for a police officer to make a few extra dollars. The policeman asked for my papers. I give him my Ohio (USA) drivers license and immediately he is like “we got problems.”
(Great)....
He told me it was going to be a fine of R1000 ($74) (and that I have to pay it on the spot). I told him that I don’t have R1000 on me. He smiled and began telling me how I am making even bigger problems for him by not having an "official" South African document that he could then "charge."
I just told him, “Well, whatever we gotta do officer because I don’t have the money on me.”
He asked me to get out of my car and come back to his police car. They started talking about South Africa and Donald Trump and what I thought about it all. I sat on the hood of his police car, made myself comfortable and began chatting it up with these guys.
We were all laughing and having a good time, but I knew what was coming next.
Finally he got serious and said, "I don't think you will be allowed back into America because you have to pay me first." (It's obvious now that all these guys want is a bribe).
I smiled and told the police officers “You know, I think I have an idea. Can I have my passport back? I have to go talk to my wife.” Which he obliged and gave my passport.
I walked back to my car – Katie’s watching us all laughing and is like “what the heck is going on!?!” – “Just give me R100 ($7) and I think this will all be over.” I slip two R50 bills in my passport, walk back to the police (still sitting at their car) and gave them my passport. The policeman opens it up, takes out the R100 and asks “only one hundred rand?” I told him “Yeah – you don’t have change do you?” We all laughed and he said “Have a nice day - and don't speed!” :)
#TIA
#ThisIsAfrica
(Great)....
He told me it was going to be a fine of R1000 ($74) (and that I have to pay it on the spot). I told him that I don’t have R1000 on me. He smiled and began telling me how I am making even bigger problems for him by not having an "official" South African document that he could then "charge."
I just told him, “Well, whatever we gotta do officer because I don’t have the money on me.”
He asked me to get out of my car and come back to his police car. They started talking about South Africa and Donald Trump and what I thought about it all. I sat on the hood of his police car, made myself comfortable and began chatting it up with these guys.
We were all laughing and having a good time, but I knew what was coming next.
Finally he got serious and said, "I don't think you will be allowed back into America because you have to pay me first." (It's obvious now that all these guys want is a bribe).
I smiled and told the police officers “You know, I think I have an idea. Can I have my passport back? I have to go talk to my wife.” Which he obliged and gave my passport.
I walked back to my car – Katie’s watching us all laughing and is like “what the heck is going on!?!” – “Just give me R100 ($7) and I think this will all be over.” I slip two R50 bills in my passport, walk back to the police (still sitting at their car) and gave them my passport. The policeman opens it up, takes out the R100 and asks “only one hundred rand?” I told him “Yeah – you don’t have change do you?” We all laughed and he said “Have a nice day - and don't speed!” :)
#TIA
#ThisIsAfrica
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