Bent Cops

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boomslang
boomslang

So, just how bent are the Moz cops?

I'm off in 3 weeks or so, driving from JNB to Maputo and then on up toward Tofo/Barra/Inhambane and back to JNB. I've been all over southern Africa over the past 10 years or so and never had a problem with the cops anywhere. On the contrary: in my experience, they've been polite and helpful at all times, even in Zim at the height of their trouble (or should that be depth of their trouble?).

But there seem to be tales aplenty here of crooked cops in Moz looking for a shakedown at every opportunity. What's the score? Over-exaggerated or should I expect to be paying out at every road block I come to?

thx all.

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bbc
bbc

No worse than SA.

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talya
talya

I beg to differ. They are worse, and are rather intimidating with their AK47s. Don't speed, overtake where you shouldn't etc... and carry your 2 orange triangles. Be prepared to fork out some cash, but its worth it to bargain. Oh, and don't walk around without your passport in Maputo!

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ghalied
ghalied

I would carry a certified copy of your passport rather. Also useful to have a second wallet with minimal amounts of cash in it. The vibe is bit strange because for every other type of crime, the rate is much higher than South Africa, but in bribery for false traffic offences Mozambique takes the cake.

Oh and be polite.

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kaz
kaz

Rather unusual 'traffic offences', for which the cops will insist qualify for fines in Moz, are driving while wearing sun glasses and driving without shoes/wearing flip flops.

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bbc
bbc

Been fronted more for bribes in SA than Moz and, I lived in Moz for 2 yrs, and still travel back. As suggested by Talya, obey the road rules.

Yes, certainly they view Mulungus as a revenue source. Engage with them and try to make it humorous...I used to carry a packet of smokes to offer them (and I don't smoke).

The carrying of a passport is a 'try on' as well....was asked for one once...and insisted on only showing my drivers licence. My wife, who is a Mozambican (and an Australian citizen) asked "what was the law?...and why they did not ask her for her passport?" The requirement is for positive ID.

Immigration police visas; not the normal police.

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lidiachambers
lidiachambers

HI

I live in Tofo. Unfortunately, the stories about the cops in Moz are mostly true but if you can avoid it, PLEASE don't pay them or be tempted to pay a bribe unless you really feel that they will take you off to jail and make your life miserable. The more people who take the easy way out and pay, the more corrupt they become. It's 'high season" for them now and they are all over the place.

If you know you haven't committed any offences then please hold your ground and politely wave them off but don't pay. The only way we are ever going to be able to tackle this corruption is to make it known that tourists and locals will not be bullied any longer. They usually back down once they realize that you are not going to just hand over the cash. Apart from anything else, it could make your trip extremely expensive as there are many of them around at the moment. They tend to stop small buses rather than cars though.

Kind regards
Lidia

Edited by: Andreas_at_LP

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