It shocked me to realise that the Botswana Police Traffic Officers were raking in money from motorists through dubious means. I fell victim to this racket on October 30th 2008.
According to the police, I had failed to stop at the traffic lights at the intersection of P. Matante and W. Seboni roads in Gaborone. I was flagged down by Police Officers along the Nelson Mandela Road. Like Dingake, I tried to explain to them that when I entered the intersection, the traffic lights were green and that they had turned amber when I was already inside the intersection. They were not prepared to hear any explanations. They demanded that I pay the fine of P200 on the spot or have my vehicle impounded. I did not want to pay the fine as I knew that I had done no wrong. I asked why my vehicle was being impounded if I did not pay and I was told that it was to be taken for testing to determine its roadworthiness. What baffled me was the fact that if I paid the spot fine, then there would be no reason to have the vehicle tested (implying that paying the fine renders the vehicle roadworthy). But because the vehicle happens to be the sole mode of transport for my family (transporting my four year old son to Pre-school etc), I gave in and paid the fine. However, I'm still angry with the traffic police up to this day!!
Mpho Kuaho (Mr)
