Today I saw 30 people beat up 2 young men.
Today I saw 10 cops torture these same 2 men.
These men were beaten up cos they held a knife to me and threatened to 'poke' me with it. I gave them what they wanted. My ipod, they wanted my ipod so much they were prepared to stab me for it. I do believe they would have stabbed me. So I gave it to them.
Yes - I was mugged in downtown Johannesburg.
I yelled at two men walking down the street to help me catch the theives and we ran. We ran and ran. So fast! They were dashing across freeways (I stayed on the side and yelled - too many cars!). Then more people came. And more people. Beggars from the street joined, security ran out from everywhere. It seemed that everyone was onto these 2 men.
There were like 30 people, all chasing these two guys. People came from nowhere and everywhere. It wasn't as if they were attempting to save this 'damsel in distress'. Instead it was like 'you can't do that shit here'.
And they caught them. All 30 of people caught those 2 young men. I was screaming at them to stop becasue they all stated beating them. I was taken away by security 'Shh, don't cry. Stop - it's all ok'. 'No! Are they hurting them? What are they doing to them?' 'Shh, it's all ok'.
I was taken to the Bramfontein poilce station. It was a caravan. A small caravan. The 2 boys were thrown in. One was bleeding from the head. The other had a black eye. I had to sit across from them and identify them. Although I thought I would never remeber them, it was as clear as day. I would never forget them.
The mob had confiscated a knife and my ipod earphones from them. Yet they insisted it wasn't them. 'You're lying!' I said 'You just threatened to stab me!' the police beat them - with their fists, their batons - all in that small caravan with me crying for them to stop - until they confessed. At one stage during the hour long 'confession' the police smothered one guy with a pillow so he couldn't breathe.
The police asked them why they had mugged me. They said that they were mugged the night before, and the theives had taken everything - their money, even one guy's pants (the shorts he was now wearing did look a little too big). One guy went and got my ipod that they had stashed in the bushes. The two young men apologised to me.
We were then taken to the police station in Hillbrow. When we got there the two men jumped out of the paddy waggon and came up to me, pleading for forgiveness. They were crying, brusied, bleeding. It was so horrible. They promised to never do it again, 'How do I know you won't do it again?', 'I swear on my Mother's grave'. They said they were students, get this - they're studying hospitality and tourism.
I dropped the charges. The police were nonplussed. I gave my muggers R10 each to get home. Otherwise they'd still be stuck needing to steal money to get home! If what they were saying is true.... I don't know.
Did I do the right thing? Within my ethical system, yes, I did. But it's so different here - justice works so differently here. Did I just let 2 muggers back on the streets? Or did I just show 2 young people a different way is possible? Or neither - does just nothing happen and everything just stay the same?
ferk aurora .... *hugs* .... *big hugs*
ReplyDeleteregarding your ethical questions .... it seems to me that you responded to the bit that you identified, through your title and sub-title, as the most important bit - that of the beating of the boys. is that the most important bit? i'm not sure. there's certainly nothing wrong with the most important bit being the fact that two boys threatened your life: you are you, after all, and therefore it's natural that you would focus on the impact it had on you; and, presumably, you were not engaging in any violent activity yourself that would mean you needed to be restrained or whatnot in order to preserve the safety of others. the same cannot be said for the boys .... they were subject to vigilante justice, something that can never sit well when one lives somewhere where one can pretty much rely on the justice system. then again, they also threatened your life for an ipod, and that doesn't sit well either.
either way, you are not responsible for their actions towards you, or possible actions they may take in the future towards others. imo ...
*hugs* .... *big hugs* .... xoxo
OMG, thats all I can say right now.
ReplyDeleteOh well, there's nothing like a frightening experience for great writing inspiration.
Should I tell BB, she'll probably freak out.
Hope you get back safe and sound. It must be nearly 3 weeks now.
Hugs,
Julie Mc.
Poor Darling, I have chills running through me - I'm sending you a long protective hug and surrounding you with love. In a very difficult and stressful situation, you showed a compassion that we hope will be contagious. Love always Aunty Jo
ReplyDeleteThank you Libby, Julie, and Aunty Jo,
ReplyDeleteI am now home safe and sound - I got taken away to the hills for three days to relax so that's pretty good compensation!
I think mainly, it's made all the violence that I am reasing about and studying in South Africa, and more generally too, have a different ring.
In South Africa you DO NOT fight your muggers, or anyone who wants to take something. YOu give it to them. 'Sir'. And hope to walk away.
But the feminism I study advocates fighting back. Not becoming a victim, even if you are treated as one.
I now think that is naiive...
Some people can kill for very little. Not everyone has the same value systems we do....
Thank you for all your loving and be rest assured I'm all safe and well back in Adelaide. The most dangerous things here - and anywhere! - are our minds!
xx