So this afternoon I went to a police station somewhere in Lilongwe.
Then I saw a young man in handcuffs, being led into custody, obviously
to be detained. The young man was carrying a medium size bag, black in
colour. I asked the police officer who had obviously arrested this
young man as to what offence the young man had committed. He responded
"illegal vending. He was caught selling second hand blouses, trousers,
shirts and skirts. Ma venda awa!"
The human rights adrenal
ine
in me rose up "vending! Handcuffs! Custody! Detention! Young! No!
Please no!" Then I immediately talked to the person who was taking down
the details of this young man just before entry into the cell "Bwana, do
you really believe this young man has to be put in custody for this."
Response "honestly, I do not agree. I know the city assembly fines them
MK5,000.00. But look my job is simply to follow instructions. My job
today is to keep in custody any person brought here. But I agree with
you, talk to that man sitting there in blue shirt. He is our senior.
Talk to him."
I walked to
where this senior man was sitting. "Bwana, I came here for other
business. But I am concerned. There is young man who is about to be put
in custody. Remember the one who passed by here 5 or 10 minutes ago in
handcuffs with a man in camouflage . Bwana, the issue is about vending.
Can you not consider releasing him. I believe our cells should hold
those who have committed "real offences." He responded "chabwino
ndamva. Timuthandiza. What is his name?"
As I am writing, I am
still wondering whether the young man has been released. This senior man
did not act immediately but he said 'timuthandiza.I hope he meant it.
Why didn't he act immediately? I hope the young man has gone home. I
hope so and I hope so...........
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