A Tanzanian police officer went viral after asking Canadian tourist Jesse Romberg for a Sh519 (Tsh10,000) bribe after she stopped him for driving too close to the white line.
In a video that is now trending, Romberg explained, “We are here promoting tourism to Tanzania. We are trying to bring money to Tanzania.”
Without hesitation, the officer demanded a bribe, referring to it as “buy me a soda.”
She said, “Haya leta soda uende.”
When the tourists asked what she meant, she made it clear she wanted Sh519 (Tsh10,000)
“Leta 10,000, give me 10,000,” she asserted.
Romberg, clearly puzzled, responded, “That’s a bribe. Can I just have my license back because that is not allowed? That is not legal, asking for that money in cash. It’s not legal, I know the laws here.”
The officer asked where he was from, and he replied, “I am from Canada.” She handed back his license, advising him, “But follow the rules.”
Romberg added, “But asking for bribe money is also illegal. Don’t do that.”
His social media post attracted an outpouring of reactions.
“Tanzanians are sick and tired of corruption, and just in the last few weeks, thousands were murdered on the streets and in their homes, protesting against corruption, and you guys who have no idea about Tanzania jump in these comments and give your opinion? Unbelievable. Corruption must end,” read one on Instagram.
Another user commented, “Eh, police in East Africa, surely are they all drinking from the same fountain? Maybe ask your governments to increase your wages and give you better working conditions instead of harassing us on the roads.”
Yussuf Omar wrote on X, “Asking for a bribe without a care to the world. Strange how we make some things normal when they should be stopped every time we see them.”
Jesse is a traveller and digital creator, active on social media platforms like Instagram and Reddit, where he shares his experiences and photography from the numerous countries he has visited.
He is known for documenting his world travels, including a viral video depicting the atmosphere of the North Korean subway system.
As a digital creator, he describes his work as showing “the wild side of travel” and has previously been listed among backpacking influencers.