Deepa Bhookhun
23 August 2007
opinion
Port Louis — Do you know the meaning of attempt at murder? In gist, it means that you've tried to kill someone but he didn't die. Of course, there are more subtle variations to the legal meaning of the term but, whichever way you look at it, there absolutely needs to be an intention to kill someone. Don't take my word for it - go check it out for yourself.
But attempted murder in Mauritius has an altogether different meaning. Well, according to the police, rather. Here it seems, if in a fit of anger you tell a policeman: "I am going to kill you" and then if, after they have given you grief, you drive away unnerved, cursing at them in the process, you might just be eligible to the charge of attempted murder. Not dangerous driving or making threats or anything. No Sir, just plain and simple attempt at murder.
I kid you not. Ask Shanawaz Caunhye, the man who according to the police, has attempted to murder a police officer, acting as escort to deputy prime minister, Rashid Beebeejaun.
This is not of course what happened, according to the police, but hey, it is not my place to decide who's telling the truth and who's making things up. The people vested with this authority will hopefully be able to enlighten us further soon enough.
Now the guy who supposedly attempted to kill the police officer is free. He is lucky, isn't he, that the police didn't object to bail I mean it simply doesn't get better, does it? You are arrested because you're in a hurry to go see your ailing mother (and you don't get a speeding fine) and eventually, after a few days of detention, (and the loss of your priceless freedom) the police are good enough not to object to the said freedom!
Very grand of them, I must say.
If anything we need to congratulate the police who in their wisdom have decided to consult with the DPP's office before recklessly objecting to bail. I guess we should feel reassured that the police are so diligent in their attempt to protect law and order - you know how we are always complaining of them not doing their job and all!
But if only they were that diligent when it concerns common mortals - you know, you and I - the people who pay their wages and who are the most in need of protection.
If only! If only they didn't feel they had to be over zealous only when somebody has ruined Rashid Beebeejaun's mood!
If only somebody had explained to them that their job is not about bending over backwards in front of those who have an inflated sense of their own importance.
If only! But dream on, say my friends. That doesn't sound like a bad idea after all. Dreaming, I mean.
In the meantime, let this travesty of good policing unravel. We can only hope it doesn't turn into a travesty of justice.
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