The Wheels of Justice

I had a surprise visit towards the end of last week. It was a process server and I was subpoenaed to appear in court here in Quelimane on the matter of the robbery from our car the previous week. We have had some previous experience with the Mozambican justice system. It has a reputation for being anything but swift. One young man of which we are aware spent over six months in jail awaiting a preliminary hearing on the validity of the charges against him. I was somewhat amazed to find that there was a hearing so soon--but much  more so when I found out that it was the final trial- only-ten days after the crime. It was later explained to me that I am a foreigner (I really a hadn't forgotten) and they wanted to impress me with Mozambican efficiency.

The photo (undoubtedly quite illegal to have taken) is of our robed judge on the bench. She was actually quite bright and impressive I thought and  moved through the trial with some real speed. It took about an hour. I was most impressed that she used the Latin phrase "flagrante delicto" a few times to describe the thief's apprehension (it means "red handed") and we use it in English with some additional nuances. The thief argued that he might possibly have committed the crime but he was drunk and should therefore be excused. The judge responded that he couldn't have been too drunk as he ran away at full speed for several blocks. He was sentenced to two years in prison with all but two months suspended. His mother and other family members in succession had all appeared at my door over the preceeding week, begging that I drop charges.  The thief was in jail for his final exams of high school so he also must repeat the year.

We had a nice beach outing on Monday--saying goodbye to Elders Berg, Gibson, and Williams who have all served here for about four months.  All good missionaries that we will miss.

This mother and child were in the surf, ten our fifteen yards offshore dragging a mosquito net agains the current (this section of the each is actually in the mouth of the river Supino)  to pick up small fish.  Their version of trawling.  Everybody needs protein and much of African's energy is spent in obtaining their daily requirement.

Location:Quelimane,Mozambique