It’s been 5 weeks since I had the pleasure of getting my stuff stolen. To the guy who broke into my house—thank you for giving me headache, but in the end I got the last laugh. I was pleasantly surprised by the Swazi police; they supersede my expectations. Within two weeks of the incident, the police found one of my missing items and had a good lead on the case. By the third week, the cops showed up at my door with the criminal in cuffs telling me they found all my things (well almost—I can kiss the missing cash goodbye). They escorted the criminal into my house so he could show the cops where exactly he took my things… only in Swaziland.
Three days later, I went to court and was able to petition for my things, while in the meantime the judge sent the band of thugs (the three brothers) to jail while we wait our trail date. While I was taking the stand, the judge told me the next trial date would be July 4th. “Objection!” is what I wanted to scream, but I remained silent and waited to talk to my security advisor, hoping he could tell the judge we had a very important party to get to. We were not able to change the court date, but I shouldn’t complain. The fact that I can get a court date so soon is very rare.
Yesterday, (July 4) was the awaited court date. I arrived at the courthouse at 9:30, and waited in the lobby till about 11:30. Looking at my watch and hoping to get this show on the road, I was finally ushered into the chambers. I took the stand and prepared to take the oath. The funny thing is I can hardly understand these Swazi’s. They speak English in an accent; they speak very soft and mumble their words. So being in a huge courtroom that has the best/worst acoustics, I couldn’t hear the judge to repeat the oath. What I said went a little something like this, “I solemnly swear… that the entrance(?)… truce (?)… Excuse me, can you please repeat? I can’t understand you.” Yea… that’s exactly what I said. Anyways, after I butchered the oath, I then answered 50 of the same questions from the prosecutor. I then had to prove that the items stolen belong to me. I tried not to sound sarcastic in my answers… but honestly I was so ready to be done with this. Each item I relayed, I said something like “…..from America”. The trial prolonged a couple more hours. When it came time for the perp to speak, the judge asked why he was staying in my village. He said that he was a student at the high school I work at. I almost jumped out of my seat. This kid DEFINITELY was not one of my students. Did he even realize that I was a teacher? Thankfully the judge saw right through his bull S***. They boy found himself in a web of lies, which eventually led the court to the decision of Guilty with the boys spending 3 years in prison with no option of a fine for early release. Very happy with the outcomes, especially since I got my stuff back and everything was settled within that one trial date.
So now that 2 guys lost their freedom, it was off to the capital to celebrate mine! Sadly, due to the long trial, I was extremely late to the Country Directors house. I missed meeting the new volunteers and the food was all picked over. The weather was also cold and rainy (it is winter after all). Looking back at last year’s 4th of July, this was stark different. But reflecting on my year here in this country I am more patriotic than ever. I can watch the news and be disgusted by some of the stories I see happening in the states, but after living in SD, I am so thankful for my freedom and my rights, and I am extremely proud to be an American!
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