Fined for jogging

I recently joined a fitness group for an early morning jog. The trainer shouted, ‘run like the police are chasing you!’ I took it too seriously and actually outran everyone. Unfortunately, on the way, real traffic police stopped me and asked why I was running so fast. I panicked and told them, ‘The police are chasing me!’ They arrested me, but later I explained what had happened. They still made me pay a fine for disturbance. Was the fine justified?

TT, Dar

What you stated sounds like a scene from a comedy series. Fortunately for you, Tanzanian law has not yet defined the offence of jogging. The police may have been confused and in our opinion they cannot charge you simply because your trainer uses motivational metaphors. We have no details on why you were fined, so it is best to check the police records to find out the reason for the fine. Outrunning imaginary police is good practice, but next time, tell your trainer that instead of running as if the police are chasing you, perhaps run as if your landlord is coming after you for rent arrears! We are informed jogging is good for health so hopefully you will continue exercising.