Zimbabwean driver arrested for refusing to give cops cool drink

A Zimbabwean working as a driver in South Africa says he was arrested and detained by South African police after he refused to give them cool drink money when they discovered that he was a foreigner even though he had all the necessary documents.

In most countries, people shake your hand as a form of greeting.

But Gift Muusha (26) from Zimbabwe got a different welcome when he was harassed by two South African cops.

When Gift didn't want to give them money, the cops soon gave him their version of welcome to Mzansi - by squeezing his 4-5!

Gift claims two cops approached him on Saturday as he was about to board a bus to Durban, where he works as a truck driver.

"They asked to see my passport and I showed it to them. Then they asked to see papers to prove that I had bought my laptop, but I told them it was at my house.

"When they asked for cool drink money, I refused. That's when my trouble started . . .

"They told me to get off the bus and follow them to Park Station cop shop. They said that they were opening a case against me for possession of drugs.

"When I complained, one of the officers squeezed my 4-5 and said that was my ‘welcome to South Africa'!" said Gift.

He was detained at the cop shop. A lawyer came to help organise his release on bail but told him it would cost him R6 000.

"I only had R4 000 in my account and the lawyer told me to give him my bank card and pin.

"He left and only came back at about 8pm!"

When Gift wanted to open a case the next day, the investigating officer said he should talk to the cops that arrested him.

Gift said the cops then came to him and said that they were sorry.

"The one who pulled my 4-5 said he was acting out of frustration and gave me R200. He said that it was to get me to Durban. I took it because I was afraid," said Gift.

Constable Thabo Malatjie of Hillbrow police said Gift should go to his nearest police station and open a docket.