TSAKANI

“So, it all began when I was 22 years old. I was a young gullible little young man who was living off by pickpocketing people at the mall, town, and parks. Hhayi bengiyinja daar. Anyway, I ended up getting perforate because the money I was making after selling all those things was no longer satisfying me and my mom never saw it fit to buy me clothes because I was rebellious whilst growing up. I couldn’t stand being shouted at by her every time I came back from ukuphanda. So, I moved in with my grandmother in the township, continued with my hustle as per usual. My grandmother knew that I was working, but no I was actually stealing from people who wake up every morning to go to work only to be paid peanuts. Shortly I recruited Lee to my hustle as he was always whining about how he can’t make ends meet, Mmangwane was constantly on his neck about finishing her grocery and stuff. Plus, he owed a lot of his dealers’ money, and he needed to pay them since some were threatening him, and his family. The kids weren’t able to go to school as those guys he owed were lurking in the corners waiting to snatch one of them to show how serious they are.”

“This other one time, it was middle of the month and most people are broke by then we went to the mall as per usual even though we knew that we were not going to get something because others already knew us as we would randomly pickpocket them for fun. Anyway, the day was drawing to an end, hhe that’s when Mr. Mazibuko decided to pop to the mall. He was wearing an expensive suit and let me not get started about the car he was driving, ai he stepped out of the car with a black briefcase in his hand, and I knew exactly what he was coming to do there, I’ve been observing him for months as he always comes to the mall on certain days to withdraw a lump sum of money. He had no guards. I steeled myself and told Lee about the plan, and he was all for it even though he was scared, but he knew that we needed the money. Mr. Mazibuko, stepped out of the mall as per usual, I know that he will open the car, put in his money, and get back inside the mall again to do a little shopping. Since Lee is shorter I sent him to go on the other side of the car, crouch and slightly open the back door so that even if Mazibuko locks the car, it won’t lock us out. He did exactly that, and he snatched the briefcase from the backseat and took off, I walked slowly just so the security guards won’t suspect me or anything since I was hanging around the mall all day.”

“When we got to the bushes and worked out the money it was half a million, Lee almost blacked out when we shared the money between the two of us. R250k was a lot of money. Anyway, when I got home that night I hid the money. Mr.Mazibuko, went to the news rewarding anyone who comes forth with information on who stole his money, and boy chancers had a field day. No one produced substantial evidence, and he decided to drop it seeing that no one saw anything, even the cameras at the mall didn’t detect any foul play, believe you me, he was broken. I took some of the money and purchased weed and started selling it around the hood, let me tell you something you don’t know; weed has a lot of profit, a lot of it. I sold the best weed, A-grade type of shit, and little did I know that Mazibuko was also into the drug & weed business. Anyhow, he became my subordinate since he heard that I sell one of the best weed in town. Then he proposed the idea that we venture into other countries and sell our weed there. Haike, and we did.”

The business grew rapidly within a short space of time. We now had clients all over even though I was working under Mazibuko, I pushed my own shit too on the side I didn’t trust him, and he knew that very well. I guess greed got the best of him, and he wanted to sideline me out of the game and run the business alone, I told him straight up that if I leave, I leave with my shit, no hoaxes. He tried fighting me, and sent his goons to attack me, but they didn’t succeed. Anyway, I told my uncle about this, and he took me to a very powerful witch doctor, and he worked on me for a full week, and the pain I’ve gone through there yasis it’s unexplainable, but I came out stronger than ever before. I had a new strength that I don’t even know he came from, but I knew that I was no longer the old Tsakani, I was now someone else. This Inyanga told me that I’m possessed with a very covetous snake, and only it will choose the woman for me, a woman that will bear kids for me. Guess that woman is you,” she raises her head and looks up at me, and narrows her eyes. “Back to my chest please I’m still talking,” she nods and slips her head on my chest again.

“Will I be able to ask questions afterward?” She asks raking her fingers on my chest.

Me: “Yes. You will, but for now, cease interrupting me.”

Her: “Okay. Resume.”

Me: “Anyhow, I went back to the hood since people were notified that I ran away with Mazibuko’s money, and stole some jewelry from a jewelry shop and the police are looking for me. I knew that Mazibuko was behind this, Lee, told me this when I notified him that I’m around. I went and handed over myself to the police, and they didn’t arrest me. After all, there was no evidence that I ran away with his money or stole jewelry at that particular shop not forgetting the way they those police staggered during my presence it was so weird, yet great because it showed that they respected me or feared me maybe? Whatever the case may be. Leaving the police station I went straight to Mazibuko’s office and I found him in a meeting with some of our business affiliates. He was shocked when he saw me, he didn’t actually believe that I’m back together with the so-called affiliates. He smiled unsure, pretending that he is happy to see me, but I knew that he was plain lying.”

“He told his affiliates to excuse him, he requires to have a word with me, and they did just that, but were behind the door my 7th sense warned me. He asked me to sit down, and I didn’t. I implored him as to why he had to lie, he said this and that not even making any sense of what he’s saying. Haike, the men who were outside the door kicked it, and told me to freeze, mind you I had no gun with me, I was very much vulnerable at that moment. Nare, Mazibuko was ready to watch me die, but without him noticing I quickly took the gun that was sprawled carelessy on top of the table, spun around and detonated at the two men randomly until the bullets ran out, and blood sprayed the wall, some seeping out of their mouth dropping to the floor. That was my first time killing, and ever since then, it became a normal thing. I’d kill and sleep better afterward, that was just about it.”

“People started respecting me, businessmen respected me, some real Mafias feared me too and that made me realize that they are not really fearing me, but the snake inside me. I became the most respected man all over, even these nyaope boys respected me. My business took off again, but this time I collaborated with Italian Dom. One of the world’s ruthless man I’ve ever come across. He sold me ammunition, diamonds, golds, firearms, and all that I wanted. Now, that’s one man that I greatly respect he knows what business is, and not once did he try to take me out, I respect him, and he respects me too. Yeah, and that’s how I became a notorious gangster. I recruited Batista whilst in University, then Leon & Talon in the streets trying to rob me, not forgetting Spikiri. We started hijacking cars, robbing the multimillion-rand business, robbing banks, and all that stuff robbers do. That’s pretty much about my life. It wasn’t an easy journey though, I dodged bullets, and hitman’s ngibuya kude bubbles,” sighs.

Her: “Wow. I don’t even know what to say, but that snake story, is any of it true?” I chuckle.

Me: “Yes, all of it, it’s true.”

Her: “Wawuza. So, I’m basically sleeping with a snake?” She lifts her head.

Me: “No.” Chuckling. “You’re sleeping with me, the snake chose you, and marked you.”

Her: “Marked? Marked how?”

Me: “Do you page your pussy?” She nods. “Do you see the mini pimple near your pussy entrance?” She widens her eyes in panic

I laugh. “That’s the mark, and if any man sleeps with you, he dies.” She slightly pouts as if remembering something then she shakes her head, and lay back on my chest. “Are you okay?” 

Her: “Yes, I am. I’m still processing all that you just told me, I can’t believe that I’ve been marked. A whole entire me, marked. Unbelievable. There goes cheating,” she mumbles the last part. “And the pimple was really making me uncomfortable, at some point, I even thought that I had an infection of some sort kanty no, it’s a mark.”

Me: “Exactly.”

Her: “And it doesn’t affect you anyhow?”

Him: “It didn’t at first, but now that I found you there will be consequences should I sleep with any other woman besides you.”

Her: “Wow.”

Me: “Would you believe me if I told you that ever since I saw you at Tshisanyama that day, I’ve hired people to find you?”

Her: “What? Why would you do that?”

Me: “For my own selfish reasons ofcourse, but the snake in me had other thoughts without talking to me about them, first.” She laughs.

Her: “And don’t I just love it?” I snarl.

Me: “Traitor.”

Her: “I love the both of you anyway.”

Me: “I know, and we love you too,” I kiss her forehead.

Her: “Let’s sleep, I’m tired.”

Me: “I know what you mean.” And that’s my story folks.

★»★«

NOMALANGA

I couldn’t sleep a wink last night after that unexpected visit from that Lucifer of a man. The sun rose with me looking, and for the first time in a while, I dread leaving my room, but I must go and see Nono and tell her the truth before that Lucifer get to her first. I rise from the bed, and head to the shower. His cologne is still lingering in the air making me nausea, sighs. I step inside the shower, and open the shower tap I don’t even feel like using a shower gel because argh. 10 minutes later I’m done bathing, and I’m looking for something to wear, I send Nono a message notifying her that I’m coming we need to have a serious conversation. I can’t risk her coming here who knows what that man is up to? I’m convinced that he’s watching my every move, sies. He’s evil, but this family doesn’t know that because he’s their family Dr. He hides behind the white coat, counterfeit smiles, and eyeglasses whereas in actual fact he’s a devil, I’m sure he kills his patients too “for fun,” nxa.

I step out of my bedroom and go to the lounge, I find everyone sitting watching TV, I greet and request for Hlulani. He’s the only man I trust right now in this place. He gets up, and follows me outside.

“Dimamzo,” he calls out.

“I’m sorry to bother you but can you please accompany me to my daughter’s place?”

Him: “No problem let me go and fetch the keys real fast,” I nod looking around for any unsuspecting thing as he hurries to the house. “Let’s go,” we walk to where the car is, and he opens the door for me, I get in and so does he. He roars the engine to life, and off he drives out of the yard, my eyes are still inspecting the environment. This feels so creepy having to constantly watch my back, or any cars following us only because of one man. One wasted sperm of a human being.

Wow, I didn’t even know that Nono’s house is this enormous, I wonder how many rooms does it contain. Hlulani, parks on the driveway and we step out of the car. I look around admiring it, people are rich out there. Hlulani rings the doorbell and Nono is the one opening it, she smiles when she sees us.

“Please, come on in,” she tells us opening the door wide enough for us to step inside. She shuts close immediately as we get in, the kitchen is also beautiful and the colors are coordinating. “Tsakini, is watching soccer Hlulani.”

“Thanks, Koti.” He leaves us.

Me: “You have a beautiful house.”

Her: “Thanks Mama. You can go to the lounge so long I’ll attend you shortly.”

Me: “You want me to get lost?” She softly laughs.

Her: “No. You won’t get lost, Mama.”

Me: “I’d rather wait for you, or we can always sit here I don’t mind.”

Her: “Okay, if you say so. You sounded not okay over the phone, what’s wrong?” I sigh shaking my head

Me: “My past is back to haunt me.”

Her: “Your past?” I nod. “I don’t follow.”

Me: “Remember the story of me telling you that I was raped by my then-husband?” She nods. “Well, I don’t want to waste your time, but that man. Your father is back.”

Her: “Askies?”

Me: “Yes, he’s back.”

Me: “So? Manje nakabuyile thina singenaphi lapho? How does he being back involves us?”

Me: “Because he wants to know you, he knows about you.”

Her: “Tough because I don’t want to know him, let alone meet him.”

Me: “You have no choice, Nono. You must meet with him. He’s a very cruel man, please Nono.”

Her: “I don’t care whether he’s cruel or what. I don’t want to meet with him, he can go to the nearest hell for all I care!”

Me: “You don’t mean that, Nono. He’s your father.”

Her: “Why are you pushing me to meet up with him even though I’m telling you that I don’t want to meet with him?”

Me: “Because he’s your father, Nono.”

Her: “No. He’s a rapist, and that’s it. For the last time Mama. I’m not meeting with him, and you can’t tell me otherwise.”

Me: “If you don’t meet up with him, he will kill me. He’s a very cruel man, Nono. Please, do this for me. Yazi, last night he gained entrance at the Elite then straight to my sleeping room where he threatened me, telling me that if I don’t tell you about him, he will eradicate me!” Tears are on a verge of falling.

Her: “Well, I’d love to see him try. I can be ruthless too you know.”

Me: “Please, just hear what he has to say that’s all I’m asking you.”

Her: “No. What’s his name?”

Me: “Tsebo. His name is Tsebo Mashifane.” She giggles.

Her: “The Ngobeni’s family Dr?” I nod, and she laughs. “You must be kidding me. That rapist of a Dr. is my father?”

Me: “Yes. He’s your father.”

Her: “So, my father is no longer a truck driver? The man who chose you amongst all the maiden in your village? The man who made your parents disown you?”

Me: “I lied. All that I said was a lie except for the rape part.” I look down, and play with my fingers.

Her: “Why did you lie to me though?”

Me: “That’s because he was a married man.”

Her: “Let me get this straight. You had an affair with a married man?”

Me: “No. I was their helper, and he raped me. He used to rape me every chance he got, and somehow you were conceived. Both his wives couldn’t bear him kids, so, I guess he saw it fit to rape me.”

Her: “And you kept quiet about it?”

Me: “I had no choice. He used to threaten me, and I’ve witnessed how ruthless he is. I had no choice and I ended up running away, I was fearing for my life, I’m sorry that I lied.”

Her: “I hear you. But still, I don’t want to meet him, in fact, tell him to go and hang himself in a big tree branch because there is no way I’m meeting him. Oh, and if he has a problem with that, he better come to me and faces me if he’s a real man. Mtshele njalo.”

Me: “Erh, I will.” It looks like she means it. She has really changed, guess she takes after her father. Tsakani & Hlulani descend the stand in a rush.

Tsakani: “Mamazala,” I nod acknowledging his greeting. “Bubbles, I’m heading to Talon’s place.”

Her: “Why? What happened? Is Talon okay?”

Him: “Yeah, he’s fine. Thembeka has been kidnapped.” I gasp.

Me: “What? But how? And the baby?”

Him: “I don’t know, yet. I will update you once we’ve gathered the whole story. Mamazala, you can stay here until Hlulani comes back. Bubbles, keep your phone close,” he says already exiting the house.

Me: “I wonder who abducted her, and I pray that the baby is fine. How can people be so evil?”

Luxolo: “Life is full of evil people, hhey. Tea?”

Me: “Yes, please. About your father?”

Her: “We are worried about Thembeka and the baby, awume ngale rapist.” I nod.

★»★«

LUXOLO

My phone beeps notifying me that I have a message, I pick it up from the countertop and view the message.

“Abduction successful, and the baby is at a safe house, for now, we will drop him at the Elite, later on, the mother is being taken to a secret location. I will send you directions, with lots of love. Lux.”

Hhe, you should see the smile on my face right now. This world is really full of evil people indeed, and evil people deserve to be punished. Then, there’s this “father of mine” issue, yerrr. Hhe. That man has some audacity, some bloody fucking audacity. Uyanya yena shame. Where was he all these years? Nxai, nonsense. Anyway, yena I don’t mind much about him, he doesn’t even shake me.1 down 4 more to go…