Got pinched…….because of a cigarette

Today, while returning home after university courses, I stopped in the capital (Port-Louis) to enjoy a meal in a fast-food restaurant. After eating I immediately headed to a retail shop to buy a one cigarette ( this practice of buying is common in Mauritius), light it up and enjoy the smoke.

Unfortunately after smoking I carelessly throw the rest of it on the pavement, when immediately a police officer who came out of nowhere ‘intercepted’ me, introduced himself as an environmental police officer and asked me to give my identity card. Not only did he noted my name, ID number but he also asked me several questions such as what do I do in life, where do I live, my phone number etc etc.

So I told the officer that I agree I was at fault and think that in fact he was doing his job properly, nevertheless I asked him if am I going to get a fine, in the first place he told me yes, then he told me not to do it again, of course I tried at least to apologise myself and asked him again if I was going to be fined, he was evasive….and told me that I was free to go.

Till now I haven’t received any phone call about this issue, Was he serious when he took my name, ID etc? Was he ‘trying’ only to be impressive which would make me think twice before repeating this ‘crime’ again? Perhaps time will tell!