Detain the smarties (ii)

‘… They simply resorted to their smartphone cameras and took pictures of a dying man trapped in flames in his car. I just can’t understand our people’s morbid fascination with tragedies.’ Tahir observed with disgust. ‘Well, that same morbid fascination was at play, when those motorists and pedestrians decided to film the screams of a […]

‘… They simply resorted to their smartphone cameras and took pictures of a dying man trapped in flames in his car. I just can’t understand our people’s morbid fascination with tragedies.’ Tahir observed with disgust.

‘Well, that same morbid fascination was at play, when those motorists and pedestrians decided to film the screams of a woman asking for help against criminals, rather than go to her rescue. According to her, before the green light enabled her to drive on, some good Samaritans did leave their car and walk over to the three fake naval officers and talk to them. But she didnt wait to see the result of their intervention. Seeing that she had the right of way, she drove away, hoping her nightmare was over. But she soon realised her mistake when she raised her head and saw them following her from far behind. The lady had no idea what explanation those men gave to the good samaritans, she could only see that the potential kidnappers were now free to continue their pursuit of her. So she drive on with a new purpose now, to find the nearest police station or post. But she couldn’t get either and each time she looked up, that civilian vehicle with the naval impersonators, was always in her view, sometimes directly, other times with some cars in – between.’ I narrated.

‘Did she eventually reach the police?’ Tahir asked.

‘No, unfortunately for her, she couldn’t get to the nearest police station she knew, because it meant having to drive down an untarred road and she feared the men might get to her there, since the road will be difficult for her to navigate. She kept on driving and couldn’t find a single policeman in the many posts she normally used to see them. Undeterred, she continued to speed on, grateful that she had enough fuel and that her baby’s car seat was firmly strapped to hear passenger’s seatbelt. Still wondering why no motorists took interest in the way three uniformed men were racing after a lone female driver, this lady drove as if her life depended on it. Then she recalled an office in the other side of town which is always guarded by policemen 24/7. She immediately headed that way. She continued at high speed taking turns without stopping, with tyres screeching at the impact. Yet those men were still following closely behind. It was not until she reached the office that was her target, and driven through the gates that she looked up and saw that the men had given up the chase. They probably also knew that that office was always under police protection. Anyway, they  just didn’t follow her there. But look at all she had to go through before she escaped them. Now imagine how different it would have been for her and her baby, if they had been helped by those fools who were only interested in recording their plight and posting ahead.’ I complained.

‘Yes, it would have made a whole lot of difference’ Tahir concurred ‘because the fake naval men would have been uncovered by those who responded to her screams and handed over to the police. But because they were more concerned about making their vidoes than being their sister’s keeper, they let the poor woman stage the race of her life in order to save it. This is certainly one experience she will never forget as long as she lives.’ He opined.

‘Oh no she won’t.’ I said in agreement. ‘And that’s one reason Maryam and I are saying we will mobilise our NGO members to stage a protest against people videotaping scenes of accident or crime when what the victims need is help. We will march to the police headquarters and urge them to start arresting and detaining anyone caught videotaping a scene of crime or accident. They should spend no less than 48 hours in police cell and have their beloved smart phones confiscated. That will teach them respect for other people’s suffering and misfortune.’ I declared.

‘That’s a very good idea Wifey dear. Count on my attendance, if you need any men on the million women’s march against smarties.’ He joked, tapping my shoulder. 

‘I’ll take you up on that Hubby dearest, so better be sure you mean it.’ I replied, smiling.