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30 - The end
302 MONTHS LATER
THE FINAL DAY OF THE TRIAL
OUTSIDE THE POLICE STATION
Reporters and other forms of press and media including bloggers and vloggers amongst civilians clamor outside the police station making one hell of a ruckus waiting for the bishop who’s been the talk of the town since his apprehending 2 months ago. His fi4st two visit to the court weren’t peaceful but this one seems more intense that the others, solely because it is the last and the final part, the end to all his evil deeds which he seems to forget as days pass.
Officer 1: Lord, reporters are swarming out there, whoever called them is doing a good job.
Officer 2: what can I say, press never sleeps, right?
Officer 1: if I didn’t know any better I’d say you’re enjoying this…
Officer 2: you bet your *** I am!! Hell I haven’t had this much fun in a hot minute!!
Officer 1: let’s get to work then.
Officer 2: brace yourself, they’re gonna rip you apart out there.
Bishop: and you’d better do you job and protect me… be useful after all those taxes I paid to make sure you get your wage at the end of each month.
The cops look at each other and laugh as if the bishop just said a joke. One stands up and cuffs him before pulling him in a very demeaning way to the door step.
Officer 2: what taxes? You’re literally going to court for fraud.
Bishop: shut up!
Officer 1: well…
The officer raises his hands in surrender. He looks at Tshepang for the longest time before poking fun at him.
Officer 1: what happened to your face?
Officer 2: busted lip? The boys play rough don’t they?
Bishop: **** the both of you!!!
Officer 2: that’s so not godly of you.
Officer 1: oh… Man, let’s go, I’m tired of his ***.
Officer 2: let’s get you convicted !!
The cops step out of the station walking on each side whole shielding the bishop in the middle. The crowd roars as soon as they come in sight. There’s still divided opinions about his crimes. There’s people literally protesting and claiming his innocence while others curse him.
Woman: there he is!! There he is!!
The crowd runs towards the 3 caging them in whole the security try to make way and help the cops and the convict escape safely. Someone from the crowd throws flour on him followed by an egg and then a curse. Before they know it, a rain of eggs of thrown their way.
Reporter: Mr Mohlala how do you feel about today’s court day? Do you still plead not guilty? Do you acknowledge your crimes??!
A lady shouts in the crowd while civilians throw all sorts of things at him. After almost a lifetime of a hassle they finally make it safe to the car. It's not until another 5 minutes of trying to fight the crowd off the road until they leave for court.
THE COURT
Mohlala sits unfazed after the judge is announced and orders everyone to be seated. As usual, the prosecutor is given the podium first. Mohlala looks at his lawyer and shakes his head.
Bishop: I know you’re a state lawyer, but this is just not it. I would’ve done a better job at representing myself… not this!
Lawyer: be my guest.
The prosecutor stands up and walks towards the bishop and his lawyer with photo cards in his hands. He places them in front of him and backs up before questioning him.
Prosecutor: defendant, do you recognize the people in the photos in front of you?
Bishop: how’s that gonna help with anything?
Judge: defendant!! Answer the question. We don’t have time…
He looks at the photos one by one and snickers as he scans each one. A woman in the crowd throws a glass bottle his way, it misses him and breaks instead as it makes contact with the hard floor.
Judge : jury!! Please control the audience. This is my court, I will not tolerate such behavior!!
The judge bands the gave trying to bring back peace and order into the room.
Judge : defendant, answer the question…
Bishop: what question Your honor?
Judge: prosecution?
Prosecutor: the photos in front of you, do you or do you not recognize the women in them?
Bishop: ohh… err—what if I do?
Prosecutor: this is not a game… we’re not playing a game here. I will repeat myself one more time, do you or do you not recognize the women in those photos!?!
The prosecutor roars, her voice a little stern while she tries to suppress it.
Bishop: I do…
Prosecutor: at what degree do you know each woman? What was your relationship with each of them?
Bishop: err—we all had church together.
Prosecutor: church… okay, Did you kill these women? Ms. Isabele Mfula, a Lovedale High School learner 10th grader, Ms. Itumeleng Maleka, worked for you for a little more or less 7 years, Cindy Mahlangu and Lesego Semenya… of course not forgetting your wife Nomfundo Mohlala whose dead body was found in your house alongside Isabele’s in an unspeakable condition…
Bishop: that’s what you day and what you believe… there’s always two sides to every story but mine doesn’t seem to have the other side. Everyone is so biased and so eager at painting me as the bad guy—I did not kill anyone. Do you even have any proof?? Where the hell is the evidence that I did it?!! Where’s the evidence!!
Judge: defendant!! Lower your voice!!
Prosecutor: Your Honor, I’d like to summon a witness to the stand. MS. NAMISA NCUME, a victim and survivor of the occult.
Bishop looks at his lawyer as his throat runs dry. His lawyer looks back at him and shrugs his shoulders.
Bishop: do something will you!? Who the hell is that?!?
Lawyer: Your Honor! I object!! My client and I don’t see how the supposed witness is related to the case!
Judge: overruled.
The lawyer sighs as he sits back down disappointed after his request is rejected.
Namisa is wheeled to the stand, she reads and swears on the oath. The bishop looks at her not recalling a single thing. He swallows hard and looks at his trembling hands trying hard to stay still and poise nonchalant but his heart is against his mind. He sweats in his seat his nerves shooting out of the roof each passing second.
AT THE HOSPITAL
Boipelo breathes shakily while she listens to the live broadcast of the bishop’s trial on the TV that’s playing with a relatively low volume. Things have not been looking up for her so Reitu forced her that she be admitted against her will. She rather would’ve liked to spent her final moments in her house but she couldn’t say no to her daughter. This was as far as she can let her get her way with things, she settled it in her heart that this is the only and last wish she can fulfil of Reitu’s—and with that thought in mind, she agreed to be admitted. The pain wasn’t getting any better anyway.
OVER THE TV
Judge: with a unanimous decision and reviews from the members of the jury for public interest, this court hereby sentences Mr Tshepang Joseph Mohlala to life imprisonment on fraudulent acts, attempted murder and cold blood murder of multiple women. A death sentence is hereby issued for the aforementioned as per reviews and final decision of this Court. Let this be a warning to all of you, you cannot dodge the law, and certainly can never hide from God’s eyes. Court adjourned.
The judge bangs the gavel twice and stands up to leave. Cheers and whistles accompanied by applause fill the court room as a crowd of happy people and families of the victims cry in relief seeing the perpetrator go down. An enraged crowd try to pass the boundary to reach the bishop but the officers are quick to remove him for the scene.
*
*
*
Tears fall trailing down the sides of Boipelo’s eyes as she let’s them rest taking her last breath. Machines beep and go out of control as her chest goes up and down involuntarily followed by her whole body as if hit by a Shockwave. It is not until later that the doctor and a few nurses rush in finding the situation at a point of no return.
Dr Mokoena: time of death- 16:37 pm, August 17th .
The nurse takes notes while others unplug the machines and remove the IV on her arm pulling the sheet over her head.
Dr Mokoena: I’ll make the call a little later. You guys can make necessary preparations in the meantime and move her.
Nurse: yes, doctor.
KWANELE’S WARD
Reitu stands up from the chair and pushes it a little to the back while she also puts aside the book she has been reading for the past 2 months. After that fateful evening, Kwanele’s mother has since treated her like a daughter, she got permission to come and go as she pleases so long she takes proper measures. The rude little girly from the other day learnt to respect her and has since swallowed her pride.
Reitu: I thought we agreed you’d wake up after I finished reading this book. I’ve even went as far as analyzing it and reading credits and post notes. Why aren’t to awake yet? I have so much to tell you. The trial… the arrest… and how I’ve been doing, I’m also curious about how you’ve been doing too—don’t you think you’ve left us for too long? Your mother misses you, she’s such a nice lady—and I—I miss you too. I have so much to tell you… I won’t tell you to take your time anymore… wake up or I'll never talk to you again, I swear I won’t…
She sighs out loud and puts her hand over his. She massages his legs and arms thoroughly going back up and down repeatedly.
Reitu: they said that this will help… I hope it does… hope you feel better.
Kwanele’s mother shuffles at the door disturbing Reitu. She looks at her and faintly smiles before going back to what she was doing. She does so for a couple of times before she stands up to leave the room defeated and out of hope, very drained and tired for the first time. The woman pulls her into her arms and hugs her tightly almost suffocating her. She feels tears threatening and snuggles closer to her. A phone call disturbs their moment, Reitu breaks the hug, apologizes and excuses herself to answer the call.
2 WEEKS LATER
She handled her mother’s ceremony with the help of Kutlwano. That one evening, yes, that call was about her mother. The words still linger in her mind, it has been very hard to get over everything. Kwanele too is still sound asleep, the last update she got from Grace, his mother was that he was now off life support and that was a week ago when things were the most hectic in her life that she didn’t even respond to the message she received about the news.
Someone knocks and enters her room in her command. After a very tiring and sad day she went straight to her room to sleep her problems and worries off.
Kutlwano: aww… I don’t even know what to say… I’m really sorry baby. I’m really sorry.
For the first time after a whole 2 weeks of not shedding a drop of tear, Kutlwano’s words hit home and she let’s them fall. A part of her feels relived while she still feels sad for the other part. Knowing she has someone on her side brings her comfort. She cries in her arms as she slowly rubs her back, Seipati busts into the room and joins in on the hug too. Yes, she finally healed—completely.
Seipati: I’m here for you. We will always be here for you.
Reitu: thank you… thank you a lot aunty…
A call disturbs the hug, Reitu retrieves her phone and checks the caller ID to determine its importance before deciding whether to take it or not.
- It’s Grace!!
She immediately presses the accept button as glues the phone on her ear. Her eyes widen as the caller on the other side talks as if she’s about to run out of breath. Reitu shuffles around the room looking for her shoes while still on the call. She runs out of the room without saying a word. Kutlwano who already understands the situation sighs in relief and smiles faintly to herself while her daughter sits beside her confused.
Seipati: and then?
Kutlwano: she’s going to be okay… she’s going to be just fine. She’s a strong one an admirable girl.
Kutlwano doesn’t even have to repeat her words, Seipati looks at her knowing exactly what she means. She replies back in affirmation too.
Seipati: of course she will… that’s my cousin right there.
They both sit in comfortable silence and relieved hearts that at least something is looking up for Reitumetse. A new era for her.
AT THE HOSPITAL
Grace leaves the room as soon as Reitu arrives. She smiles to herself as she watches her throw herself on her son wailing louder and louder each passing second.
Reitu: I begged and begged you a countless times to wake up dammit!!! Why the hell did it take you so long!?
She cries on his chest while Kwanele tries to console her.
Kwanele: I’m sorry, I’m sorry… I know. I tried my best but I just couldn’t win. But I’m here now… that must count for something…
Reitu looks at him and says nothing...
Kwanele: when you said you wouldn’t see me again, I really had to try harder… I was so stressed and frustrated. Thankfully you here now…
He playfully hits her arm and she looks at him and smiles.
Reitu: consider yourself lucky…
Kwanele: yes I do… I do. Now, back to the book you read me… I was so surprised at the genre—I didn’t know you were into erotic novels… how the hell did you even—
Reitu jumps on her chair and goes to look outside to see if Grace is there. She sighs in relief finding the coast clear she goes back to Kwanele’s side and puts her hand over his mouth giving him a look.
Kwanele: that’s not how they did it on the book though…
Reitu: what?
Kwanele: that’s not how you do it…
Reitu: W—what?
Reitu stutters as her mind registers exactly what Kwanele is talking about. She finds herself staring at him whole he stares back with a look she can read. She moves back from him and covers her face with her hands blushing hard.
Kwanele: I’ll let you off just for today—but be warned.
She pulls her chair and distances herself from Kwanele whole trying to hide the smile she has on. He smirks at her thinking to himself what she can fathom.
Kwanele: and yet your choice in books says something else
Reitu: oh God…
MUCH LATER
Reitu and Kwanele both laugh while they continue filling each other on about recent happenings in their lives, Kwanele sharing all he heard while subdued in a coma for 2 whole months. Shocking headlines halt them in their conversation as they both instantly turn to look at the TV.
OVER THE TV
News Anchor: JUST IN- BREAKING NEWS: Tshepang Mohlala formerly known as Bishop T.J Mohlala commits suicide in prison after suffering unbearable bullying and mistreatment from both inmates and superiors. This happens after the man was….
The TV continues off with the news while Reitu and Kwanele stay unmoved and utterly shocked the revelation. The room is quiet for a fee minutes until Reitu comes back to reality.
Reitu: well… I may sound cold but I don’t care! He deserved it! That’s karma for you!
Kwanele: that bitch got off too easy… I wanted the boys to grease and grill him well, I guess he was a weakling after all.
Reitu: he has always been. I never expected any better from him.
Kwanele: not our problem anymore…
Reitu: yup…
They both fall into comfortable silence still processing the shocker. It is not until a few more minutes that they get back to their chit-chat and laugh again.
SOMEWHERE ACROSS TOWN
KB screams excitedly while she kisses her now fiancé who was once her friend then her boyfriend all over his face.
KB: oh God!! Oh God! I’ve always dreamt of owning such a home!! Thank you so much baby!! Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Kay: it’s my pleasure. I thought I’d wait until after the wedding but I just couldn’t hold the excitement in… so, how do you like it?
KB: I love it!! I adore it!! It’s everything I’ve ever wanted!!
Kay: I feel like I’ve gotten myself competition … I’m a little jealous… all that affection!
KB: no one can ever compare to you… no one amounts to you… I’m this happy, living this lavishly because of you. This house wouldn’t be a home without you—so, never doubt my live for you or think you’re never enough.
Kay: I’m convinced…but—I gotta go close off the deal. I’ll be back in a few hours with some takeaways. We’re sleeping here tonight, we’re not going back to the apartment!
KB: I feel seduced…
Kay: that’s because I was seducing you..
KB: okay Mr…
She pulls him in for a kiss that lasts longer that they both had anticipated. Kay pulls put and looks at KB with drowsy eyes adjusting his bulge. She laughs teasing him a little. He back up and leaves the house saying his goodbyes loud and clear before trouble transpires. KB tours the house by herself before she’s disturbed by the intercom ringing. She goes to answer it.
[over the intercom]
KB: Hello?
Voice: oh, Ma’am hello… my name is Ntando, I used to work here as a gardener. I already talked to your fiancé and the agent a few days ago. I was instructed to report to the house as of today to start working and preparing the house for your move in.
KB: oh… okay… wait a second, I’ll let you in.
KB opens the gate and waits on the front door as she sees the young man strut towards the house. He gets on the front door and greets her.
KB: Ntando right? Call me KB… you don’t look like a gardener would… I’m a little surprised.
Ntando: oh, I cleaned up well today, you know first impressions and everything.
KB: oh, come on in then…
Ntando: thank you.
KB moves aside shifting for the man who looks ridiculously handsome, dreamy and too clean to be some gardener. She watches him as he struts in the house looking a little appalled at the whole interior and luxury. She gets on her phone and texts her fiancé while she orders some things she assumes they’ll need for their night here.
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THE END
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