The looming war
'In another news...yet another triple murder has occurred in the area of South Coast where there has been a series of killings in the recent past. A total of 5 people were killed assasination-sytle by an unknown suspect. Amongst the deceased were 3 Pakistani nationals and 2 South Africans. It is believed that amongst the 2 South Africans killed, one of them was a taxi driver in this South Coast area. But to give us more details on this story is our reporter on the ground Zandile Khuzwayo'Mthoko and his family listen carefully as the news anchor on TV reads the news headlines. He leans forward with keen interest as he ups the volume on the TV and it doesn't look like he wants to be disturbed right now. But everyone else in the lounge is also listening with some level of curiosity as the news anchor crosses over to the journalist of the ground.
'Oh yes Judith we are in the South Coast area where the latest murders of 5 people are said to have taken place right at this abandoned parking behind me. The incident, according to the police, may have happened last night around 22h:00 and as you correctly said amongst the deceased are 2 South Africans and 3 Pakistani nationals.
The police have told us that they are still trying to determine the motive for the killing of these people but cannot rule out a possibility of this incident being linked to the previous murders that have happened in this area Judith. It also maybe worth noting that a few weeks ago a taxi driver and a Pakistani national were murdered not so far from where we are standing. It is safe to mention that the community in this area is in a panic mode as these killings are beginning to be frequent Judith and they still have no answers from the police. People are wondering if they are indeed safe if they walked on the streets at night.
But perhaps what has been a very intriguing about these killings is that they seem to involve foreign nationals and taxi drivers. The police themselves haven't been able to establish or make the connection as the investigations are still ongoing, Judith. When we spoke to the Police commissioner a little earlier on, he mentioned that there has been a discussion of forming a special task team that will involve specialized services to investigate and track down the perpetrators.
Not so long ago Judith, in fact about 3 days ago, we had reported that our very own Phuthuma Cele, a seasoned journalist had been reported by her family as missing. Phuthuma, at the time of her disappearance was working on this developing story, being the ongoing killings in this area of South Coast. Whether this latest killing is connected to our colleague's disappearance remains to be seen but the police have been quick to caution against jumping into any conclusions before the investigations are concluded.
Now, Judith...we had been trying in vein to get hold of the taxi owner, Mpendulo 'Socks' Zikhali that one of the deceased taxi driver was working for to come and give us clarity or his version of what might have transpired here. The driver who was well-known as Jomo had been working for Zikhali for just over 5 years now at the time of his passing.
The other South African that also passed on in this incident, details around him are sketchy but it doesn't look like he was a taxi driver and it is also not clear what his relationship with Jomo or the Pakistani nationals. At this stage, it is also not clear how the 3 Pakistanis are linked to the 2 South Africans so I guess we will indeed have to wait for further updates from the police as the story develop Judith.
But what we can ask from the public at this moment is for everyone to pray for Phuthuma Cele, our colleague and indeed her family that she may be found safe home as this story is her legacy. With that said Judith, back to you in studio'
Mthoko turns down the volume as the journalist crosses back to studio. Suddenly the mood in the lounge changes as everyone's face seems to wear a worry. Mbali quickly grabs her laptop and says, "Guys, I'm going to my room please excuse me" as she climbs the stairs. Soon after that Thula also stands up and says "Uhmm...guys I'm going to study up. Goodnight" He also leaves his parents and Londiwe in the lounge. I suppose it only makes sense since the three are the ones involved in the family business but even them look just a little uncomfortable over these breaking news.
"Love, I'm gong to be honest with you...this is beginning to scare me a little bit you know" Lindiwe says as she changes the channel. "Aren't these killings beginning to happen a little more frequently? Yes I know that we don't live in the South Coast but that's where our taxi business is. That's where you wake up to go most of the days" she says with a worried face as she pours herself a glass of wine.
"Yeah I know baby, it is a worry I got to say" Mthoko says as he takes a sip of his double whiskey trying to figure something out. "Dad, do you think...is this linked to any of the taxi turf wars as reported in the news the past few months. What are your friends saying?" Londiwe asks but her mother quickly cuts in, "sweetheart I told you to not get involved with that business okay? Let your father worry about that okay?" she says with a firm voice but Londiwe jumps back in, "But mom, I'm not getting involved, okay? But I just want to know if we should be worried, you know? If this...is another Taxi owners' squabbles" she says as she shrugs her shoulders.
Mthoko doesn't wants to avoid a dialogue so he interjects, "No princess, I don't think...I mean I don't know...But I don't think this is about Taxi owners sweetheart, okay?" he says with a forced smile. "But I will find out the details tomorrow when I meet with the other owners tomorrow and Zikhali in particular as this affects him more"
Well, this doesn't seem to inspire confidence in the room as no one seems convinced and Mthoko can see that. "Look sweetheart, our Taxis are under the South Coast Association so yes maybe it does concern our business but that's only the Taxis, which you are not involved with, okay?" he says as he tries to reassure his daughter. "All other businesses are not in South Coasts, so there's really nothing to worry about, you guys. I doubt this has anything to do with the taxi industry. Maybe Zikhali's driver was just involved in some dodgy dealings because, I mean...we don't work with Pakistanis in the industry"
That seems to ease everyone's worry as soon as he says that and Mthoko is relieved. The last thing he wants is creating a panic to his family over this latest drama. He thinks of making a call but he worries that it may create a suspicion with his wife. He is still trying to fix everything as it is and so far it's been going well. So he decides against it.
"Is security good here at home and at all our businesses babe?" Lindiwe asks curiously as he switches off the TV in order to get her husband's full attention. Mthoko thinks for a second before saying, "Oh yeah, yeah babe. Security is okay, why? Is there something wrong?" as he becomes curious. "Oh no love, nothing is wrong...It's just that you know, It was okay when it was just you and me but we have kids and I know they are all grown but they are still our kids baby. I hate having to worry about their safety all the time, you know" Lindiwe says as she takes the hand of her husband.
"Baby you have nothing to worry about, I promise okay?" Mthoko says with a smile as he kisses his wife on the cheek. "Oh well I guess that's my queue to leave since you guys are starting to be indecent in a public area" Londiwe says as she stands and grabs her laptop. "Hey, this is our house okay? We'll do whatever we want okay? Hahaha" Lindiwe says as she bursts out laughing as Londiwe joins her in the joke before saying, "Goodnight guys" as she climbs the stairs. "Goodnight sweetheart" Lindiwe says as she lays on her husband's chest.= while switching the TV back on
***
Somewhere else, Captain Dude is having a chilled Sunday afternoon with his family, taking advantage a day to rest from work. Lately he really doesn't get that chance since there's pressure at work to solve this mysterious case of the ongoing killings in his jurisdiction. He, just like his detectives finds himself having to work long hours which means less time at home with his wife of 4 years and two daughters (13 and 18 years of age).
As he sits on the couch watching News about he latest murder in the South Coast a call comes through. He looks at his phone and then looks at his wife, "excuse me honey, I have to take this" he says as he goes outside to the veranda.
Dube: "Hello"
Phakathi: "It's me, update on the recruit?"
Dube: "Uhmm....oh yeah, she is in" (nervously)
Phakathi: "Okay good...because I have a mission for her..."
Dube: "Uhmm...Sir, can I ask? I mean, is any of this legal? You know because I don't want to do anything that will end up..."
Phakathi: "Hey, listen here Dube...we don't have time for that right now okay? This is a matter of national security, you hear me? I don't have time to read you into everything but this takes priority"
Dube: "I hear you sir...It's just that detective Ximba doesn't have clearance sir...and quiet frankly, neither do I. I'm not even sure what all of this is all about. I don't even know who you are or who you are working for..."
Phakathi: "Hey, hey, hey...Dube, focus okay? It doesn't matter who I am or who I work for okay? I recruited you because we needed someone within the department to help us understand what really is going on with these killings. Now I trusted you with developing an asset in the department, are you sure you can trust her?"
Dube: "Oh yes sir I can vouch for detective Ximba. She is a very dedicated officer"
Phakathi: "Okay good, because I have a mission for her"
Dube: "What's the mission sir?"
*A little silence*
Phakathi: "144, Queen street, Park North...tell her to be in that address Tuesday 19h:45 sharp"
Dube: "Sir?..."
Phakathi: "Tell her to be there and watch"
Dube: "Oh, uhmm...is that all?"
Phakathi: "Yes, that's all"
Dube: "Yes sir"
*Little silence*
Dube: "Oh uhmm...maybe you may want to know that about a week or so ago the Commisioner came to the station to get an update on the case to which I briefed him...but then he called one of the detectives I had assigned to this case and had a private word with him. Does that mean anything?"
Phakathi: "Hmm... is that so? That's very interesting"
Dube: "It is? How is that, Sir?"
Phakathi: "You will know soon enough. Now you see why we have to be discreet about all this? Now tell your asset to be careful and make sure she is not caught, you hear me?"
Dube: "Yes sir"
*Call dropped*
Somewhere else, Mxolisi is also having a day of relaxing with his so as they are having a barbecue. They live in this middle class descent complex, in a two bedroom apartment which is spacious enough for a small family. Mxolisi and his baby mama are not in a relationship and he is not in any serious relationship currently so he enjoys spending time with his son who he has full custody for. Luckily for him, he knows how to cook and he has also began to teach his 11 year old kid and they both enjoy these bonding sessions.
As he turns the meat in the braai stand, a call comes through. He looks at the number and then looks at his son...he decides to step away a little for privacy.
Mxolisi: "Hello sir"
Naidoo: "Zwane, how are you?"
Mxolisi: "I'm okay Mr. Commissioner, how are you?"
Naidoo: "I'm okay...I just wanted to check if there are any updates for me"
Mxolisi: "Uhmm...no, not really sir maybe except that tomorrow we are going to question a few Taxi owners concerning yesterday's incident"
Naidoo: "Oh okay...who are you questioning?"
Mxolisi: "Uhmm...anyone we can find tomorrow but we will start with Mthokozisi Sibisi and then we will visit the Taxi association chairman, Fana Zikode sir"
*A little silence*
Naidoo: "Uhmm...Zwane, listen carefully son...Under no circumstances are you to question Fana Zikode regarding this case, are we clear?"
Mxolisi: "Uhmm...sir?..."
Naidoo: "I said you are not to question Fana Zikode at any stage"
*another pause*
Mxolisi: " But why not, sir? I mean, we are trying to solve the case, right? We are questioning all the Taxi owners affiliated with that association, so..."
Naidoo: "Now I'm giving you a direct order alright? You are not to question Fana Zikode"
*Silence*
Naidoo: "Look, Zikode is an asset in this case"
Mxolisi: "Sir...?"
Naidoo: "Fana Zikode is helping us uncover the people who might be responsible for these murders so you can't question him or he may be spooked. But you can question anyone else"
Mxolisi: "Sir...are you saying Zikode is our mole within the association?"
Naidoo: "Did you hear me say that? I'm saying he's an asset helping us with information to uncover the suspect and he must not be approached"
Mxolisi: " I hear you sir. So what will I say to my partner when she asks why we are not questioning the chairman?"
Naidoo: "You will think of something, Zwane"
*Another silence*
Naidoo: "By the way, is your partner suspecting anything about you? Did she want to know why I was speaking to you in private?"
Mxolisi: "Uhmm...well she did ask but I told her it was about the case. But I don't think she is suspecting anything. Our working relationship is solid, sir"
Naidoo: "Good...Keep an eye on her okay?"
Mxolisi: "Yes sir"
Naidoo: "Alright, update me after you have interviewed the owners, alright?"
Mxolisi: "Yes sir"
*Call dropped*
***
The following morning, Mthoko has decided to come see Phuthuma at the safe house he'd placed her. After Siyanda had increased security in this apartment Mthoko relaxed a bit, which allowed him to spend more time with his family. Also, he had already entrusted Bhekani to be the one who checks in from time to time, ensuring that Phuthuma has everything she needs.
"So how are you?" Mthoko asks with a measured smile as he sits on the couch in this sort of a lounge room. This apartment is not big but it has a bedroom which has a bathroom and toilet, a small lounge and a kitchen. It is clearly just a hideout place and not ideal for family accommodation. It is however very neat and clean and has security cameras all-round. It is in a 5 story building just outside the city in a up-market suburb. Siyanda placed a guard at the end of the corridor so as to not draw the attention of the neighbors who may want to call the police reporting suspicious activity.
He also placed 3 men down stairs at the gate who are watching everyone who is coming in and out of building. They have blended in it's hard to notice them, since there's a shopping centre just a stone-throw away from the building. They are looking for any person entering the building who looks suspicious. There is no security guard for this building, people enter through tags.
"What do you think Mthoko? Huh? I'm stuck in this place like a prisoner, my family, friends and colleagues are worried sick about me. So you tell me how I am" an annoyed Phuthuma says as she raises her voice, but Mthoko doesn't want to escalate the situation so he keeps quiet and looks at her. "Uhmm...I'm sorry...I'm fine" Phuthuma says as she sighs deep looking at the ceiling. "It's just that I feel like a prisoner here Mthoko okay? There's a shopping centre here just across the street but I can't even go there" she says as she stands and goes by the window.
"Look, I know you are frustrated okay? But we can't risk it, alright? Not when there are people looking for you" Mthoko says with a low voice. "I'm just trying to protect you Phuthuma and there's no other way than this" he says but Phuthuma quickly jumps in, "But you are not protecting me Mthoko, you are protecting yourself okay?" she says as she comes back to sit down. She really looks frustrated.
"Okay maybe, maybe I am protecting myself, alright?" Mthoko says as he shrugs his shoulders. "But you don't know what those people will do to you once they find you. Even if they do get the information they are looking out of you, who said they will let you leave afterwards? This is taxi industry, these people don't play games..." but once again he is interrupted, "And why do you care? Huh?" Phuthuma asks as she looks at him sharply but Mthoko pulls away from eye contact as he goes to stand by the window. Phuthuma realises that she may be a little bit difficult, she takes a pause.
"Mthoko, did you watch the news when I was reported missing?" she asks, calmly this time. "My family is worried about me, can't I atleast make a call to them to let them know that I'm okay? My mom must be sick with worry" she says but Mthoko quickly comes back to sit down next to her, "No, no, no...we can't do that Phuthuma" he says with a raised voice. "I'm pretty sure your mom's phone is being monitored. That's why I got rid of yours. We can't do anything that will lead them straight here okay?" he says with a begging voice. He is worried that Phuthuma may not be seeing the gravity of the situation.
This leads a little silence as Phuthuma nods and shrugs her shoulders. Mthoko smiles a bit seeing that there's atleast some level of understanding between them. "And the guy you introduced to me the other day, who is he?" Phuthuma asks with curiosity. "Uhmm...he works for me" Mthoko says softly.
Phuthuma once again goes to stand by the window and looks outside and then turns, "There's a car that's been parking at the gate for a few days now" she says with a worried face. "Oh, so you noticed?" Mthoko says with a nervous smile but Phuthuma quickly jumps in, "Well, when your life is danger you begin to notice all sort of things, right? So who are they?" she asks as she looks outside again. "Uhmm...they are watching you...I mean, to ensure that you are safe" Mthoko says with a low voice as he looks around the walls. Phuthuma comes back to sit down opposite him and looks straight into his eyes.
"Okay now please Mthoko, I need you to tell me the truth, alright" she says calmly. "What's really going on here? I mean, we both know that there's something you aren't telling me. Why did you have to go through all this trouble to lie about these killings?" she asks curious as she tries to his eyes to see if she can pick something up.
"What are you talking about?" Mthoko says as he looks away but that seems to annoy Phuthuma who jumps in, "Oh please Sibisi, I'm not a child okay? she says as she raises her voice a bit. "We both know that these killings were not about turf wars. Why did you lie to me and to my boss? Who is really responsible for these killings and why? Oh God, are you responsible for all these dead people?" as she stands up to look down on her source but Mthoko also stands up trying to calm her down, "Who said I'm lying Phuthuma? And what makes you think this isn't about Taxi routes?" he says with a calm voice.
"You are not convincing me Mthoko, alright?" Phuthuma says as she goes to stand by the window once again. She looks outside for a moment and comes back to sit down. Perhaps she needed that minute to calm herself down. Mthoko is suddenly a nervous wreck as he doesn't seem to know how to handle this part.
"Okay look...I want you to listen to me very carefully, Phuthuma" he says as he looks at her in the eyes to which she looks at her back, attentively so. He thinks for a second as he looks to the ceiling as though in search of the words. "Okay look, yes you got me okay?" he says as he sighs deep. "This isn't about turf wars okay?"
As soon as he says that, Phuthuma stands up and shouts, "Oh God, why the hell would you lie to me Sibisi?" but Mthoko quickly jumps back in, "Can you please shut the f*ck up and listen, please?" he shouts back, to which Phuthuma sits down and tries to calm herself. "Look, yes this isn't about turf wars" he says calmly. "It's something bigger than you and I...and what I'm about to tell you can get us both killed" he says much to Phuthuma's shock as she becomes wide-eyed. This is not what she was expecting to hear and now she is doubting even she wants to hear the truth.
"The taxi industry is being used to transport drugs for foreign nationals and I'm trying to stop that from happening" Mthoko says much to Phuthuma's shock as she stands up, "What?" she shouts. "What are you talking about Mthoko? And why do you have to be the one stopping them?" She can't believe what she's just heard.
Well, it's not like Mthoko didn't really expect this kind of reaction from her. "Well, uhmm...in the end someone has to stop them, right?" he says as he shrugs his shoulders but it doesn't look like Phuthuma is convinced at all. Phuthuma goes to stand by the window and look outside. She's trying to make sense of all this. "Try harder please" she says as she continues to looks outside. This makes Mthoko to think for a second while looking at Phuthuma who is focusing outside. "Look, please come and sit down, okay?" he says calmly as someone who is begging.
Phuthuma comes back to sit down opposite Mthoko and she looks interested in hearing what he has to say now.
"Uhmm yes...What I'm saying is that the industry is being used as mules to transport drugs for foreign nationals" Mthoko says as he looks into Phuthuma's eyes. "And the money made from those drugs will be used by those foreigners to buy arms, and who knows where they intend to use them?" as he shrugs his shoulders but Phuthuma quickly interjects, "So we are talking about terrorism?" she asks wide-eyed to which Mthoko nods his head. "But how do you know all this Mthoko? Please be straight with me, okay?" Phuthuma asks as she throws her hands in the air as though she's giving up on this.
"Look, I've been asked by the government to assist catch these guys and I'm telling you this in confidence Phuthuma" Mthoko says with a low voice as he takes her hands as though he is begging. "No one knows about this, not my friends or even family. You are the first I'm telling and please promise me that you will keep this to yourself...please promise me"
This seems too much for Phuthuma who stands up and goes by the window once more. She looks like she is thinking in panic. She comes back and sits down, and thinks for a second. "But why you, Mthoko? Why did they approach you to help?" she asks with a low voice as she panics a bit. "Because I'm the closest to it okay? I have to uncover the Taxi owners who are involved in this and at the moment I don't know who they are. We couldn't risk people knowing what was really going on because it would have cause a panic." Mthoko says as he looks a little discomforted by this discussion.
"Is that the reason you used me to divert attention?" Phuthuma asks as she becomes teary with panic. "But why would you do something like that to me Mthoko? That was not fair. Look now, my life is in danger, I can't go home and can't go to work..." She really looks upset over this whole thing.
"Yes, it's my fault Phuthuma...you are right, I shouldn't have involved you in all this and I'm sorry" the embarrassed Mthoko says with a low voice. "You were so determined to get the story and that became a perfect opportunity to use this as a cover. And now, the people that are looking for you want to know who is feeding you the information. But those people are also involved in this whole drug thing. They want to know who took their drugs" as he stands up to go stand by the window to which a shocked Phuthuma follows her.
"So the taxi drivers that died were carrying drugs?" she probes. "yes" Mthoko answers, which leads to Phuthuma to think for a second before saying, "Uhmm...so you are the one who killed them? Oh my God Mthoko" as she goes back to sit down. Suddenly she is no longer sure if she needed to know all this.
"Look, I was doing my job okay?" Mthoko says as he also comes back to sit down, next to her this time. "We are trying to stop these guys from buying arms. Without the drug money they can't buy any arms" as he breathes heavily. This makes Phuthuma think for a second as she looks into the worried Mthoko. She suddenly feels sorry for him as she takes his hands. "Look I understand now, okay?" she says with a soft voice, much to Mthoko's relief. Suddenly she leans in for an unexpected kiss, to which Mthoko seems to enjoy for a few seconds as they hold hands.
But without a moment's notice, Mthoko pulls away and says, "No I can't Phuthuma" as he stands up. "Look I have to go, okay?" he says as he walks towards the door but Phuthuma follows him. "Please, please, please...don't leave okay?" she says with a low and begging voice but Mthoko stops and turns, "I really have to get going okay?" he says as he turns to walk out of the door, leaving Phuthuma all confused.
***
Somewhere else, Thoko and Mxolisi are in the car on their way to interview taxi owners over the killings in the South Coast area and there seems to be a little unexplained tension in the car. This could be caused by the fact that both officers are feeling guilty over hiding something from each other and they are struggling to behave as normal. In their defense, it's the first time they've had to do something like this since they became partners. They have always had each other's backs and trusted each other even to talk about their family matters.
"Can I ask? Why are starting with Mthokozisi Sibisi? I mean, we went there before and there was nothing much to find, why not start with other owners like Zikode or Shoes Mufamadi etc.? Won't Sibisi see this as harassment? Like we are only targeting him?" Thoko asks his driving partner Mxolisi who keeps his eyes on the road to avoid eye contact.
"No, we can't start with Zikode, Thoko...If anything, he should be the last person we interview" he says with a low and somewhat nervous voice but Thoko quickly comes in, "But why not? He is the association's chairman" she says as she wonders. "Exactly, he is the chairman" Mxolisi says as he interjects. "I mean, we had to get permission from him to even go talk to these people. Without him we wouldn't even be able to get answers we seek. So imagine if we had to say 'Mr. Zikode we'd like to ask you a few questions'. He'd have been so annoyed and even refuse us permission to question the rest"
This reasoning seems to confuse Thoko as she looks outside as though she's trying to make sense of it. "Did we even need permission to question the people?" she asks as she continues to look outside. "Ofcourse we did. It's called a mutual understanding" Mxolisi says with a straight face as he also continues to look forward where he's going.
Thoko decides to not pursue this matter any further even though she still has many questions. Mxolisi feels bad that he has to keep things from his partner, not knowing she actually feels the same for keeping things from him. So they decide to change the subject and talk about other general stuff.
Mthoko on the other hand arrived home and was hoping to have a somewhat quiet Monday as he has no plan to be going to the rank. His wife is in her office in the other room doing some work; Londiwe is doing her routines checking out the Supermarkets, Shisanyamas and the Garages; and Thula and Mbali are at school. Mthoko thought he'd have lunch and then head to his office in the basement study but it doesn't look like it will happen that way as the intercom bell rings. He looks through the security cameras and sees the last people he was hoping to hear from- detectives Mxolisi and Thoko.
"Sweetheart, who is it?" Lindiwe asks curiously as she emerges from the corridors to come watch at the CCTV. "Arg, it's those police officers who once came here few months ago" Mthoko says with a face that looks really annoyed. "What are you going to do?" Lindiwe asks curiously as she looks a little worried.
"What can we do babe? We'll let them in" Mthoko says as he goes to the wall and press the button to open the gate for the officers to come in. He and his wife go sit down in the lounge. Now Lindiwe has stopped working because she wants to hear why the police officers are here. A moment later the door bell rings to which Lindiwe goes and open.
"Good day officers" she says with a half smiled as she gets out of the way to let the detectives in. "Good day Mrs. Sibisi, we apologies for coming announced like this" Thoko says humble as she offers a nervous smile to Lindiwe who smiles back as she leads them to the lounge where Mthoko is. "Uhmm...can we offer you anything? Tea? Coffee? Whiskey? Vodka? or...water?" she asks as she smiles trying to break the tension that has already built as soon as Mthoko saw the two detectives come through. "Uhmm...no thank you" Mxolisi says with a half smile as he sits down but his partner quickly interjects, "Uhmm...no, I'd love coffee please. Speak for yourself partner" she says with a smile to which the Sibisi laugh at.
"Good day Mr. Sibisi..." Mxolisi says as his face becomes a little more serious. "Good day officers...To what do we owe this pleasure?" Mthoko asks with a straight face, showing no emotion at all. Lindiwe quickly goes to the kitchen to make coffee for the guest knowing things may just get heated very quickly here.
"Uhmm...we are here to ask you questions about the killings in the South Coast area..." Mxolisi says with a low voice. "Yes we know that you don't live in the South Coast but the killings are linked to the Taxi Association in the South Coast where your Taxis operate sir." as he looks at his partner who nods. "But I thought the last time you were here few months ago I told you everything I know and that position hasn't changed" Mthoko says as he fixes his eyes on Mxolisi. "Oh yes, we know Mr. Sibisi but there's been many developments since the last time we spoke and we were hoping that maybe there could be new information that we may get from you" Thoko says with a nerveous smile.
"Well, you thought wrong but I'll indulge you...what do you wanna know?" Mthoko says as he shrugs his shoulders. But as Mxolisi is about to respond, Lindiwe comes through with a tray. She put it down and then goes to sit next to her husband. "Well, detective Zwane, is it? I also brought a cup for you just incase you have a change of heart" she says with a laughter which is hard for anyone in the room to resist as they all laugh back.
"Well, I was beginning to regret already for declining the offer, hahaha" Mxolisi says with a laughter. Well Lindiwe is hoping that this gesture may have disarmed the two officers who may have come here with an agenda but suddenly things get serious again as Mxolisi turns to Mthoko. "Uhmm...we were hoping that you guys may have information on the people who have been killed since the last time we spoke" he says but his partner quickly interjects, "Oh uhmm...just to be clear, you are not the only owners we will be interviewing. In fact, we'd like to talk to as many owners in your association as we can" she says as she looks at Mxolisi who doesn't look impressed by his partner at all.
"Uhmm yes...like my partner says, we will be talking to everyone to find out what they know. It was just a co-incidence that we started here" Mxolisi says with a nervous smile but Lindiwe quickly interjects, "Oh, but most of the owners live in South Coast, couldn't you have started with them'' she asks as she looks at her husband who nods in agreement.
"Uhmm...yes Mrs. Sibisi. That was the plan but it didn't work out as we couldn't find anyone available at noon. We shall be going to some later in the afternoon and others, tomorrow and so forth" Mxolisi says as he grabs a cup and pours himself some coffee. To that, Mthoko just shrugs his shoulder as he looks at his wife who also shrugs as though they don't have any choice.
While Mxolisi is helping himself with coffee, Thoko sees the opportunity to take lead, "Uhmm...Mr Sibisi, you told us what you knew about Fezile Mpulo the last time we were here but since then there's been multiple killings, seemingly linked to that murder. What can you tell us about Njenje who was gunned down alongside a Pakistani named Nazeel?" she asks as she looks at her partner who seems a little bit off. This makes Mthoko to look at his wife who looks just as confused or annoyed that this question is directed at them. He realises though that the officer are eager for a response.
"Uhmm...Well, Njenje was a driver in the association, that is as far as we know. If you really need more info on that you better ask someone who was his employer, Vusi Khumalo...he is known as Mavusana" he says with a straight face as he looks at both investigators. "Well, as for the Pakistani Njenje was with, I really don't know. At the association we were hoping that the police would tell us" as he shrugs his shoulders.
"Mr Sibisi, we had taken two people we suspected may have been involved in these killings for questioning, but a few days after that they were found dead in an abandoned field. The names are Mandla Nxumalo and Nsizwa Zulu" Mxolisi says as he reads from his small notebook. "Did you perhaps know who those men were or had you ever crossed paths with them before their passing?" he asks with a straight face which Mthoko returns as he tries desperately to hide his reaction to the question. This one is a little hard because these are the men who worked for him.
""Uhmm...again, no. I had never met them and can I just be clear that I know no one in the association who knew who those guys were. So I don't see why that question is asked because those guys, as far as I know weren't drivers for anyone in the association" he says with the straight face as he looks at his wife next to him.
This brings a little silence in the room as Mxolisi looks at his partner as though he doesn't know what to say next. But Thoko quickly jumps in, "No it's okay Mr. Sibisi...we understand" she says with a smile as she pours herself some coffee quickly and takes a sip. "Ofcourse then, the recent incident not so long ago where 5 people were killed, not far from where Nsizwa and Mandla were killed" she continues. "Do you know anything about that or do you have any information that can assist us in catching whoever was responsible?" as she looks her partner who nods in agreement.
"Uhmm...well, just like you officers we are searching for answers" Mthoko says as he shrugs his shoulders. "We didn't know who those people were but if you want to know more about the driver you'll have to ask his employer. I have no knowledge of the other 4 as they were not part of the association''
This seems like a sufficient answer to Thoko but her partner looks less than please for some reason as he looks at the couple with a straight face. "Okay, uhmm...so since the men you suspected for these killings were long dead before this latest incident happened don't you then think you suspected wrong people? Or maybe the latest incident may have not been connected to the rest? Or...are all these incidences even connected?" Lindiwe probes as she looks at her husband who nods in agreement. This makes the two officers look at each other as they don't seem to have an answer for that.
"Well, Mrs. we think they are connected because drivers under your association are mixed up in all this" Mxolisi says he puts down his cup. "But perhaps as the last question Mr. Sibisi, why do you think the media is reporting this as some turf war in the association?" he asks with a straight face which makes Mthoko thinks for a second. So far he has done great to not show any emotion over this as he looks at Mxolisi in the eyes.
"Uhmm...I really don't know" he says as he shrugs his shoulders. "We in the association are also asking ourselves the same question but so far we don't have any answer to it" he says but Thoko quickly jumps in, "Then, do you think the disappearance of the journalist that was working on this story is connected to this?" she asks curious as she looks at her partner which makes Mthoko think for a second because he now has to be careful that he doesn't give anything away. The very fact that he's just come back from seeing the very journalist they are now discussing, it's not easy to maintain a straight face.
"Uhmm...I really don't have any comment on that officer" he says with a low voice as he looks at his wife. "I mean, I don't see how her disappearance could be linked with other incidents but then again, you guys are the police. We just hope the journalist is okay wherever she is"
These words makes the detectives to look at each other once again as Thoko writes down in her notepad. An awkward silence follows after as they are all waiting for her to finish. Mthoko just can't wait for this session to be over but he hides it with a perfect face game as he looks at his guests.
"Well, uhmm...that would be all for now Mr. and Mrs. Sibisi. We'd like to thank you for your time" Mxolisi says with a smile as he looks at his partner who in turn smiles back at the Sibisis. "Uhmm...yes, thank you for your time. If there are any more questions we will be in touch" she says as she and her partner both stand up. "No problem officers, we are always happy to help" Lindiwe says with a smile as she and her husband also stand up to walk the guest out of the house.
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