So I forgot to explain this interesting fact about Tanzania. In Tanzania they still believe in mob justice. For any of you who don't know what mob justice is... you can check out this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47TvKi_j8Xk
As a security precaution if driving in Tanzania, if you do hit a pedestrian or another vehicle it is encouraged that you do not get out of your car even for the police, but rather immediately drive to the nearest police station and report it. I have not seen any mob justice full on, but while riding in a taxi with a few of the new interns on our way to the airport we saw what we thought was mob justice. There was a cluster of people and though I could not see clearly, it looked like there was fighting going on. Thankfully I was not involved or close enough to it. Mob justice is very common here and most of the time it is fatal. It stems from something as small as someone stealing a purse or something from a purse/pocket. Within seconds everyone around swarms the wrong-doer and beats them to the point of death.
This may seem inhuman and extreme, but it is a part of their culture. Is it more traditional than a corruption of people? I really could not say one way or the other. Thankfully I have no plans to steal from anyone, but happening upon mob justice in the streets as a bystander does not make you safe either. Innocent people can be attacked just from circumstance. I try to stay on alert and watch for unsafe activity while traveling throughout the city and I think we are in a fairly safe neighborhood.
So, that is why hit and runs are encouraged here in Tanzania. This clip is from Kenya, but it is just as much of an issue here as it is there.
Have a great day guys!
Moriah... or should I say Maria?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47TvKi_j8Xk
As a security precaution if driving in Tanzania, if you do hit a pedestrian or another vehicle it is encouraged that you do not get out of your car even for the police, but rather immediately drive to the nearest police station and report it. I have not seen any mob justice full on, but while riding in a taxi with a few of the new interns on our way to the airport we saw what we thought was mob justice. There was a cluster of people and though I could not see clearly, it looked like there was fighting going on. Thankfully I was not involved or close enough to it. Mob justice is very common here and most of the time it is fatal. It stems from something as small as someone stealing a purse or something from a purse/pocket. Within seconds everyone around swarms the wrong-doer and beats them to the point of death.
This may seem inhuman and extreme, but it is a part of their culture. Is it more traditional than a corruption of people? I really could not say one way or the other. Thankfully I have no plans to steal from anyone, but happening upon mob justice in the streets as a bystander does not make you safe either. Innocent people can be attacked just from circumstance. I try to stay on alert and watch for unsafe activity while traveling throughout the city and I think we are in a fairly safe neighborhood.
So, that is why hit and runs are encouraged here in Tanzania. This clip is from Kenya, but it is just as much of an issue here as it is there.
Have a great day guys!
Moriah... or should I say Maria?
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