"What a perfect morning to wake up to, and yet... I still drown in the sorrows of the deep blue night.
Every day, I find myself wondering—maybe, just maybe—he cares. That maybe he's interested in me
because he loves me… not because of his ego or some sick sense of possession."
Here we go again—another day of terror and torment. I step into the world with a forced smile,
pretending that love is still the essence of life. Pretending that this life has meaning beyond the lies
we feed our people, our communities, our youth.
I'm sorry, folks.
Here's the ugly truth: love and money don't mix. Not in reality.
What mixes is blood and death.
Underneath that beautiful veil of romance and promises—there's nothing but power games and pain.
And so, this is how my day began…
I had to get up, get dressed, and go to work—to earn my place in this house.
But when I say "job," I don't mean a normal 9-to-5.
I'm talking about pushing the bakery to move product faster than ever—because in this twisted
family, everyone has a duty to fulfil. And me? I've got mine now.
Zak has only one brother left—Smanga.
And trust me when I say… he's someone you don't mess with.
He's the one who had Clement killed—because Clement tried to save me. And now I'm trapped.
I'm trapped in this house.
In this family.
In this fake relationship.
And I'm being forced to love Zak to survive.
So it begs the question…
Is love ever enough?
This is my story.
Thandeka Zulu.
Once an innocent girl, now a criminal.
A con artist by survival.
All because I mistook manipulation for love.
Let me be clear:
There's no such thing as "true love."
It's just four letters people throw around to cover the real deal—sex, money, and power. That's
what love is in this world. Nothing pure. Nothing soft. Just control wrapped in a pretty package.
In this cursed world… nothing ever goes to plan.
Welcome to the new era.
I regret everything.
I regret ever coming to Jozi.
I regret stepping into Zak's car.
And most of all… I regret letting them escape justice.
But regret won't fix anything.
Now, there's only one option left—fight.
I'll play the game.
I'll smile.
I'll pretend.
And when they least expect it… I'll burn them from the inside.
If I can't beat them from the outside…
Then I'll destroy them from within.
No more innocence. No more weakness.
If I have to join the team to survive, so be it.
But I won't forget. And I won't forgive.
They made my brother suffer.
They murdered Clement.
They stole everything from me.
So if you remember how this story began…
Then stay close—because we're heading toward its final destination.
War is coming.
Scene 1: Sins of the Father
Waterfall Apartments | Nkaba's Lounge
Nkaba sits alone in the lounge, phone in hand. An incoming call breaks the silence.
Nkaba: (picks up) Hello. Do you have news for me?
Voice on phone: He was last seen at Mall of Africa… with Thandeka.
Nkaba: And after that? Where did he go?
Voice: Nowhere.
Nkaba: (sharp tone) What do you mean 'nowhere'?
Voice: His car is still parked at the mall. It hasn't moved. Security footage is corrupted — glitches,
missing frames — it looks like no one was ever there.
Nkaba: How's that even possible?
Voice: Sir… this was a setup. Your son was targeted.
Nkaba: (voice cracking) So what are you saying?
Voice: Worst case — kidnapped. Or already dead.
Nkaba: Keep searching.
Voice: Understood.
(Call ends. Nkaba exhales sharply, thinking. He dials again.)
Nkaba: Zulu…
Bab'Zulu: Yebo, unjani?
Nkaba: Ngisharp. Uyadingeka lapha eGoli.
Bab'Zulu: Ngani manje? Mina owami umsebenzi sengiwenzile.
Nkaba: Zulu, siyavumelene. You know the deal.
Bab'Zulu: Sharp. Ngizovela kusasa.
(Call ends. Nkaba paces slowly.)
Nkaba: Let me go speak to the security myself. But first… Thandeka.
Scene – Ngcobo House | Thandeka's Bedroom
Thandeka is half-asleep. Her phone buzzes.
Thandeka: (groggy) Bab'Nkaba? Shit… (picks up) Hello?
Nkaba: Where is my son?
Thandeka: What? I thought Clement went home after you called him.
Nkaba: You and I both know he never left the mall. Where is my son?
Thandeka: I… I don't know what to say.
Nkaba: Say the truth.
Thandeka: That is the truth.
(Silence)
Thandeka: Hello?
(Call ends)
Thandeka: (sighs, guilt-ridden) Who are you, Thandeka…?
(Zak walks in)
Zakhele: Hey… yini? You okay?
Thandeka: (silent)
Zakhele: Aibo Thandeka, ngikhuluma nawe.
Thandeka: (locks eyes with him)
Zakhele: You're being childish.
Thandeka: I am childish? Your family tried to kill me.
Zakhele: Relax. They didn't, though.
Thandeka: Only because they backed me into a corner. You were supposed to protect me.
Zakhele: I did—
Thandeka: Against a bullet, yes. But not against your family.
Zakhele: You're being unfair.
Thandeka: Fair? You want fair? I just got a call from Clement's father asking about his missing
son. I know he's dead. Killed by your family. And I kept your secrets because I was trying to be fair.
Zakhele: (quiet)
Thandeka: You didn't protect me. You covered for them. And now I'm the one haunted by the dead.
(She storms out)
Scene 2: Liar for Life
(Professionally Edited)
Scene: Ngcobo Household – Guest Room
(Incoming call from Zizipho)
Thandeka: And then? What does she want now… (answers) Hello?
Zizipho: Hey… you good?
Thandeka: What do you want, Zizipho?
Zizipho: Okay, no need to be rude—
Thandeka: Oh really? Tell me, Zizipho… why didn't you tell me about Clement?
Zizipho: I had no choice.
Thandeka: Stop lying to me.
Zizipho: I'm telling you the truth, Thandeka. I had to choose — my life or his. I chose mine.
Thandeka: Wow. Of course you did.
Zizipho: Don't make it sound like I'm the bad one here—
Thandeka: You lied to me. As my cousin, my sister. You lied and I trusted you.
Zizipho: We're in the same boat, don't act holy. You didn't go to Commissioner Nkaba either after
finding out what happened. So don't act like you're innocent. You're just as deep in this as I am.
Thandeka: I had my reasons—
Zizipho: And I had mine. Stop judging people when you're no better. Look in the mirror before you
throw stones.
(Call ends. Thandeka exhales in frustration.)
Thandeka: Mxm, uZizipho really thinks she owns me?
(She heads to the shower. Moments later, Zak walks into the guest room.)
Thandeka: Who's that?
Zakhele: It's me.
Thandeka: What do you want?
Zakhele: We need to talk.
Thandeka: I'm still bathing.
Zakhele: It won't take long.
Thandeka: Fine, talk.
Zakhele: Just listen. Don't say anything.
(She pauses and listens, water still running)
Zakhele: Thandeka… I love you. Ntokazi kaZulu, ngiyazifela ngawe. My heart belongs to you. No
one else. I'll always stand by you, no matter who tries to come between us. I'll wait for your heart
to heal, and when you're ready… I want you to accept me completely.
(Thandeka steps out of the shower, naked. Zak turns away quickly.)
Zakhele: (turning his back) Thandeka, you're… uh… naked.
Thandeka: (approaches, gently holding his chin to lock eyes)
I've always loved you, Zak. I was waiting to hear those words from you. Since the day I arrived. You
were distant… I didn't understand why. But now I do. And I'm ready to say… I'm happy with you.
Zakhele: What do you mean by "ready"?
Thandeka: I want you to take my virginity.
Zakhele: I can't.
Thandeka: What? Why?
Zakhele: Because I have to do things right. I need to speak to your father. Send my uncles. Marry
you properly first.
Thandeka: (smiling, wrapping herself in a towel) Wow… I didn't expect you to say no. Respect,
Mapholoba.
Zakhele: I'm a Zulu man. We do things the right way.
Thandeka: So you mean… all those girls before me?
Zakhele: They weren't worthy of my pride or manhood.
Thandeka: You think Bab'Zulu will accept you?
Zakhele: I have my ways.
Thandeka: Ohhh… threats, huh?
Zakhele: Not everything requires violence.
Thandeka: (laughing) If you pull that off… I'll actually respect the Ngcobos.
Zakhele: I can't wait to put babies in that belly.
Thandeka: Already talking about kids?
Zakhele: Future matters, sthandwa sami.
Thandeka: Okay…
Scene: Study Room – Bab'Ngcobo, Smanga, and Sam
Bab'Ngcobo: Is everything ready?
Smanga: Sho, Tyma. Everything's set.
Bab'Ngcobo: Let's hold for now.
Smanga: Why?
(Sam enters)
Sam: Sanibonani madoda. Unjani Tyma?
Bab'Ngcobo: Ngikhona. Hlala phansi.
Smanga: Wait, what is he doing here?
Bab'Ngcobo: He's part of the mission.
Smanga: Tyma…
Sam: Relax, bafo. I've learned. I'm ready now.
Smanga: Save it. You were banned. You're reckless.
Sam: Tyma called me. I follow the head of the house.
Smanga: This isn't just any mission. It's my sister!
Bab'Ngcobo: I know. She's my child too.
Smanga: So why involve Sam?
Sam: Because she's my sister too. And I've paid for my mistakes.
Smanga: You paid nothing!
Bab'Ngcobo: Smanga! Enough. We need everyone. Including Sam.
(Zak walks in)
Zakhele: Manje umsindo uwani?
Bab'Ngcobo: Good, you're here. Hlala phansi.
Zakhele: Sho Sam.
Sam: Sho Zak.
Zakhele: So, what's the plan?
Bab'Ngcobo: We move before the transfer. Zak — you handle exchange points.
Smanga: No! We can't change plans now!
Bab'Ngcobo: Smanga — you handle extraction. Sam's driving. Me and Zak handle weapons.
Smanga: (staring at Sam) If this fails… I'll kill you myself.
Sam: Sho.
Smanga: Let me go warn her. She must be ready.
Bab'Ngcobo: Do that. Any word on Jack Nxumalo?
Zakhele: He's gone. Didn't find him.
Bab'Ngcobo: Find him. Before anyone else does. Zak — take Sam. Go to Soweto.
Zakhele: Sho Tyma.
Scene 4: Beginning of the War
Scene – OR Tambo International Airport
Bab'Zulu exits the terminal. A black BMW pulls up slowly. The man in the driver's seat keeps his
cap low, face hidden.
Bab'Zulu: Nkaba sent you?
Unknown Driver: Yes, sir. Get in.
(He enters. Moments later, the actual pickup car arrives… too late.)
Scene – Soweto, Zola 1 | Zak & Sam
Zakhele: Yazi bafo, I feel like we chasing ghosts.
Sam: Relax ntwana, at least you got me now.
Zakhele: Smanga and I found nothing. What makes you think we'll find him?
Sam: Kanti there's a tavern — let's grab a drink. It's hot.
Zakhele: Serious, Sam? Right now?
Sam: You'll think clearer after a cold one.
(They enter. Order two Flying Fish. Sit at the counter.)
Sam: So... you and Thandeka back on track?
Zakhele: She's the first woman I had to beg to love me. I want to marry her.
Sam: You serious? You finally want to break the curse?
Zakhele: We're both virgins. But I need her family's blessing.
Sam: Last time with Bab'Zulu didn't go well. You think he'll accept?
Zakhele: He has no choice.
(Two men walk in and sit behind them. One of them is greeted by the bartender.)
Bartender: Heita, Jack! Long time.
Jack: Had family issues. Back now though.
(Zak turns slowly. Eye contact locks. It's him.)
Zakhele: Hawu bafo... you?!
Jack: Eish... (runs)
Sam: Shit! Zak, go after him — I'll cut him off from the other side!
(Chase through houses, yards, over walls. Jack stumbles. Car hits him. Sam steps out, gun drawn.)
Sam: Yeeyi futsek! Sukuma, njandini!
Zakhele: (panting) Good... we got him.
Sam: Get him in the car!
Jack: Please... I didn't mean to...
Zakhele: Futsek! Gena emontweni, manje!
Scene – Inside the Wrong BMW | Bab'Zulu & Sipho
Bab'Zulu: Hey, you missed the turn. Waterfall is that way.
Unknown Driver: We're headed where we need to go.
Bab'Zulu: What?!
Driver: (removes cap) Shame you don't recognise your own son's voice.
Bab'Zulu: Sipho…
Sipho: Yes. You left me to die in this bush. Your own blood.
Bab'Zulu: Please… don't do this.
Sipho: You chose your family over me. Now I'll make you choose again — between revenge and
your daughter.
Bab'Zulu: Thandeka? Leave her out of this.
Sipho: (shows a video of Smanga killing Clement) War has already started.
Bab'Zulu: You recorded this instead of stopping it?
Sipho: She was the perfect pawn. You'll show this to Nkaba. Fuel the fire.
Bab'Zulu: I won't lose another child.
Sipho: Then lose your life.
(Gunshot. Bab'Zulu drops. Sipho sends the video and photo to Nkaba.)
Sipho: Let the war begin.
Scene – Waterfall Apartments | Nkaba
(Phone beeps. Unknown number. Video link.)
Nkaba: Check this for me — use VPN.
(They watch. Clement gets shot point-blank. Then a photo. Bab'Zulu, dead.)
Nkaba: Zinja!!! They will regret being born!
Vincent: What now, boss?
Nkaba: Bring me Smanga. Alive. I'll teach him pain.
Vincent: And the rest?
Nkaba: Use one of them as bait. Make them all crawl.
Scene – Ngcobo Warehouse | Torture Room
(Jack tied up. Bloodied. Wires on legs. Face busted.)
Sam: Now where's your strength, Jack?
Jack: I... didn't know…
Zakhele: You knew damn well who we are. You knew.
Jack: He... Sipho… he sent me.
Sam: Lies! Sipho is dead!
Jack: He said you'd say that…
Zakhele: (cocks gun) Unesiqiniseko?!
Sam: Wait, Zak—
Jack: He said... war is coming. Thandeka is the reason.
(Zak's rage boils. Bang — bullet through Jack's head.)
Zakhele: Call Smanga. NOW.
Scene – Tembisa Shisanyama | Smanga Ambushed
(Call from Sam.)
Sam: Smanga — Sipho is alive. He set us up. Get home now.
(SUV pulls up. Armed men step out.)
Smanga: Guys — load your weapons. It's about to go down.
(Gunfight erupts. Chaos. Blood. Screams. Crossfire. Innocents hit. One by one, Smanga's men drop.
He fights alone. Out of bullets. Crawling. Bullet rips his shoulder. Falls.)
Vincent: (steps out) Save your breath. You'll need it.
(Smanga is dragged into the SUV — gone. Phone left behind.)
Scene 6: War Has Begun
Scene opens at the Ngcobo household as Zak and Sam arrive...
Zakhele: Tyma, where is Smanga?
Bab'Ngcobo: What do you mean where is Smanga?
Sam: Seems like we're in trouble and we need everyone here — that's why we called Smanga to
return home.
Bab'Ngcobo: Smanga didn't return...
Zakhele: uThandeka ukhona?
Bab'Ngcobo: uThandeka ukhona... nina khulumani ngani? What's happening?
Sam: Sipho is alive...
Bab'Ngcobo: As in Sipho Zulu?
Zakhele: Yes Tyma — he is alive and wants blood.
Sam: Apparently that dog Jack set us up. He led Clement to Smanga… and he recorded Smanga
killing Clement. Now I don't know if he's told Nkaba yet or not.
Bab'Ngcobo: Let me try Smanga one more time... (calls Smanga)
(Phone gets picked up)
Bab'Ngcobo: Uphendulile... Smanga ukuphi kanti?
Nkaba: uSmanga kwamanje usese busy nezinja zami.
Bab'Ngcobo (surprised, but acts calm): ... Nkaba.
Nkaba: Ngcobo... uyazi ukuthi isebenza njani lendaba angisho.
Bab'Ngcobo: Kuphi?
Nkaba: Jerusalem. And make sure you come with the rest of your boys.
Bab'Ngcobo: Angeke kuyenzeke lokho.
Nkaba: It's not a request... ngiyakutshela. (ends the call)
Zakhele: Tyma, what's going on?
Bab'Ngcobo: Nkaba knows everything... and he has Smanga.
Sam: Sisemasimbheni khona manje.
Bab'Ngcobo: Yeeyi... sizoyiqoba lempi... mele siyihlakaniphele.
Sam: Tyma, sikhuluma ngo Commissioner lana. Lona muntu angeke simuyenze lutho — noma
sekuthi sithathe impilo yakhe, amaphoyisa azogcwala la emaqeleni kaNgcobo.
Zakhele: What do you suggest, Sam — since you're the brains of this family?
Sam: Alternate surprise... we ambush them using his own people.
Bab'Ngcobo: Sam, asinaskhathi sokudlala ngempilo kaSmanga lana.
Sam: Futhi mina angifuni sidlale ngezethu izimpilo manje — sesitholakala encuphini yokufa.
Zakhele: In the meantime... we chill and wait for Nkaba to kill Smanga — just to prove he's serious.
Sam: It's a gamble, I know... but a gamble we can win.
Zakhele: Mina, don't involve me in that. If it were Smanga in our shoes, he'd burn down the whole
police station to find us.
Sam: Well, we're not Smanga, are we?
Bab'Ngcobo: If you have nothing else that makes sense to say, then keep your mouth shut.
Sam: Tyma...
Bab'Ngcobo: We're going to fetch Smanga today. Zak — call the Xulus now.
Zakhele: Sho.
(calls Steve and he picks up)
Steve: Hello...
Zakhele: We have a problem...
Steve: What problem?
Zakhele: Commissioner Nkaba has Smanga... he now knows about Clement.
Steve: What?! How?!
Zakhele: No time to explain... come this side. We need your help at this point.
Steve: Okay. On my way. (Ends the call)
Cut to: Thandeka in the en-suite bedroom, fresh from a shower. She hears her phone ping.
Thandeka: Okay... who could be sending me messages at this time?
(She picks up her phone and sees a message: "You chose the wrong family" — attached is a video
and a picture.)
(She plays the video. It shows Smanga killing Clement.)
(She scrolls down and sees the picture: Bab'Zulu, covered in blood, lying dead in the bushes.)
Thandeka (screaming, broken, terrified): AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!
(Zak, Sam, and Bab'Ngcobo hear her scream — Zak bolts up the stairs and rushes into the room.)
Zakhele (panting): Thandeka!
(He finds her sitting down, holding her knees, crying silently. He notices her phone on the floor,
picks it up, and sees the photo.)
Zakhele: Thandeka... u-right?
(Sam and Bab'Ngcobo arrive in a panic.)
Bab'Ngcobo: Kuyenzekani lana?
Sam: Zak, what's wrong?
Zakhele (shows them the phone)
Bab'Ngcobo (sees the photo): Who did this?
Zakhele: Same number that used to threaten me...
Sam: Sipho?
Thandeka (rising, tear-streaked, voice trembling): We just found out not so long ago...
Zakhele: Sipho is alive?
Sam: Yes.
Zakhele: And he seeks revenge.
Thandeka (with red, wet eyes): No... no... why would he kill his own father?
Zakhele: What do you mean by that?
Bab'Ngcobo: Zak, we don't have time...
Zakhele: Tyma, wait please...
Bab'Ngcobo: Ntokazi... your brother is alive. And he's the reason blood is spilling right now. For
now, you need to stay here — this is the only safe place. Zak...
Zakhele: Smanga's been kidnapped. We have to go get him... sizokhuluma masibuya.
Thandeka (cold, disappointed): Fine.
Bab'Ngcobo: Asambeni manje.
They leave Thandeka alone, broken in the room. Outside, Steve and his older brother Sbonelo
arrive. The Ngcobo family briefs them on the Nkaba situation. They all head out...
FOR WAR.
Scene 7: Time for War
Scene opens inside Thandeka's room. The house is cold. Silent. Empty.
Thandeka quietly packs her suitcase. She pulls every item of clothing from her wardrobe without
hesitation, her breathing shallow, her eyes rimmed with tears.
Thandeka (internal monologue):
"Is this the life I chose? Is this what I gave up my family for? Sipho... alive? How? Why would he
kill our father... why frame Clement? Nothing makes sense anymore. I'm done living a life painted
in blood and betrayal. I need to escape—before I lose myself completely."
Her phone rings. Caller ID: Zizipho.
Thandeka (under breath):
"Ufunani manje lona..."
(answers the call, voice cold)
Thandeka:
Hello.
Zizipho (nervous):
Thandeka... is it true?
Thandeka:
What do you want?
Zizipho:
I want to help...
Thandeka (cutting her off):
You made your choice. Stay with your side of the family. Leave me alone.
She ends the call. A text comes through: Uber has arrived.
Thandeka (murmuring):
"Good. Time to end this madness."
She walks down the stairs and opens the door. The Uber driver is already standing there, wearing a
black cap, head down.
Thandeka (startled):
Oh... you're already at the door.
The man lifts his head. Her eyes widen.
Thandeka:
Sipho?...
He pulls a gun and points it at her.
Sipho (coldly):
Shhh. Move. Slowly. Get in the car.
Thandeka:
No... angiyindawo nawe!
Sipho (calmly):
I thought as much.
Suddenly, a second person emerges behind her — it's Veronica. She strikes Thandeka on the head
with the gun. Thandeka collapses, fading into unconsciousness.
Sipho:
Veronica, I was going to be gentle.
Veronica:
We don't have time. Let's move.
CUT TO:
Inside a car with Bab'Ngcobo, Zakhele, Sam, and the elder Xulu brothers, Steve and Sbonelo. The
vehicle slows down 30 minutes from their destination.
Bab'Ngcobo:
Madoda... this is not a normal mission. We are walking into the lion's den. And the chances of us all
walking out? Slim.
Zakhele:
Tyma... if this was Smanga rescuing us, he wouldn't hesitate. Not even for a second.
Sam:
We ride for family. Today, we save Smanga — alive. No one gets left behind.
Steve:
You have the wrath of the Xulu brothers behind you, Baba.
Sbonelo:
We'll get Smanga out. Whatever it takes.
Zakhele:
Tyma... what's the plan?
Bab'Ngcobo (serious):
Lempi angeke siyinqobe ngodlame. I'll offer myself to Nkaba. While I buy time, you find Smanga
and get him out.
Zakhele (shocked):
Uyathini, Tyma? You can't just walk into death.
Sam:
You want us to sacrifice you?
Bab'Ngcobo:
Too much blood has been spilled since Thandeka entered our lives. If we go in shooting, more will
die. I'm not risking another Xulu life.
Sbonelo (firm):
I'm going in with Tyma. You two extract Smanga.
Steve:
Bhuti...
Sbonelo:
Go. Get our brother.
Bab'Ngcobo:
Let's move.
Sbonelo:
From here on, it's footwork. Guns ready?
Steve and Zakhele:
Ready.
Zakhele:
Sbonelo... keep Tyma safe.
Sbonelo:
I won't promise. But I'll do my best.
Sam:
That's enough. Let's move.
CUT TO:
Sam, Zakhele, and Steve approach the back of the Jerusalem Building. A black Mercedes van is
parked with two armed guards.
Sam (quietly):
We can take them. But it has to be silent.
Steve:
One wrong move and it's a full-blown gunfight.
Zakhele (furious):
To hell with silence!
He jumps out, guns blazing. The guards fall. Inside the building, gunshots echo.
CUT TO:
Upstairs. Nkaba stands before Bab'Ngcobo and Sbonelo.
Nkaba (furious):
Ngcobo... Where are your boys?
Bab'Ngcobo:
They're not here. It's just me. I'm here to offer myself — let Smanga go.
Nkaba (angered):
You're brave... but foolish. I want your boys. I want you to feel the same pain I feel.
Sbonelo:
You said this meeting was clean. No tricks.
Vincent rushes in, panicked.
Vincent:
Nkaba! Someone is shooting at our men!
Nkaba (distracted):
What?!
Bab'Ngcobo lunges at him. They struggle for the gun. Sbonelo takes on Vincent in a brutal fistfight.
The gun twists in hands — pointed at both of them.
CUT TO:
Outside. Sam, Steve, and Zakhele storm the van.
Sam:
"Yeyi! Phuma phandle!"
(The driver surrenders. They open the back — Smanga is chained, bleeding, unconscious.)
Zakhele:
Smanga! Stay with us!
They carry him to another car when—
Gunshot echoes from the building.
Zakhele (panicked):
Tyma?!
Steve:
Zak — we can't go back in!
Zakhele:
Take Smanga and go. I'm going after Tyma.
Steve:
No way — we go together.
Zakhele:
Steve, dammit! GO!
Steve:
No! My brother is inside too!
Sam:
I'll protect Smanga. You two — do what you must.
Zakhele:
Let's finish this.
They rush toward the building. Smoke. Screams. One last stand.
: Tragedy Happens Twice
INT. JERUSALEM BUILDING – STAIRCASE – NIGHT
Zakhele and Steve rush up the stairs, guns raised. Two gunshots echo above. They freeze for a
second—then sprint.
Zakhele:
No, no, no… not again.
Steve:
Please, not Tyma…
They reach the floor. The hallway reeks of smoke and gunpowder. They push through the door.
Zakhele (gasping):
Oh my God…
Steve (stunned):
Shit…
Nkaba and Vincent lie dead. Blood pools beneath them. Sbonelo leans against the wall, clutching
his stomach, pale and drenched in sweat. Bab'Ngcobo stands over the bodies, breathing hard.
Sbonelo (weakly):
Madoda... nama lapho kwenzeka into engalindelekile...
Zakhele:
You killed Nkaba?
Bab'Ngcobo (gritted teeth):
We had no choice. It was him or us.
Zakhele (shaken):
That wasn't the plan... now what?
Sbonelo:
Zak, we did what we had to do.
Steve (suddenly noticing):
Sbo... you're bleeding.
Sbonelo stumbles forward, hand pressed to his stomach.
Sbonelo:
Yeah... I know...
He takes two steps and collapses.
Steve (screaming):
Sbonelo! No, no, no! Vuka mfethu! Don't close your eyes!
Zakhele:
Pick him up — now! To the car! To the hospital!
Steve:
Yeah, come help me — now!
They lift Sbonelo and move down the stairs quickly.
Zakhele:
Tyma — are you coming?
Bab'Ngcobo:
No. Go. I have to clean this mess.
Zakhele:
Tyma, we don't have time! The cops will be here any minute!
Bab'Ngcobo (sternly):
I said GO!
Steve:
Zak, my brother is dying! Let's go!
Zakhele (reluctantly):
Fine. See you at home.
EXT. OUTSIDE JERUSALEM BUILDING – NIGHT
Steve and Zak rush Sbonelo to the car where Sam and Smanga wait. Zak throws open the door.
Zakhele:
Sam — shaya imoto! Sambe!
Sam:
Uphi uTyma?
Zakhele:
Asambe, ndoda!
Sam (insisting):
Utyma ukuphi?
Steve (furious):
Drive the f***ing car, Sam!
Sam:
F*** you all! I'm staying behind. Hambani nina!
Steve:
Shit! Zak — please just drive!
Zakhele (getting in driver's seat):
Cool… see you at home.
They speed off. Sam stands frozen as the car disappears.
INT. HOSPITAL – ONE HOUR LATER
Sbonelo and Smanga are rushed into emergency wards. Zak and Steve slump in the waiting area,
covered in blood and ash.
Steve's phone rings. It's Zizipho.
Steve (answering):
Hello?
Zizipho:
Sthandwa sam… thank God you're okay. Are you alright?
Steve:
Yeah… I'm fine. But uBhuti — Sbonelo — he's in ICU.
Zizipho (shocked):
Ini?! Will he make it?
Steve:
He's stable... lost a lot of blood. But he'll pull through.
Zizipho:
Is Zak with you?
Steve:
Yes. Why?
Zizipho:
I checked up on Thandeka — she's gone. Her place is empty.
Steve:
Don't tell him yet. We just found Smanga… Nkaba's dead… and my brother's barely breathing. He
doesn't need more on his plate.
Zizipho:
Okay. I'm just glad you're safe. I love you.
Steve:
Love you too.
Call ends.
Zakhele:
Bafo, you good?
Steve:
I'm alright. You?
Zakhele:
Sharp… was that Zizipho?
Steve:
Yeah. She's checking in.
Zakhele:
I need to check on Thandeka. I've been so caught up with Smanga, I forgot... she just lost her father.
Steve (confused):
Wait... what? When?
Zakhele:
We don't know for sure. But right now, there's only one enemy left — and we can't touch him
without Thandeka's permission.
Steve:
Sipho Zulu.
Zakhele (coldly):
Exactly.
As Zakhele turns to leave, Bab'Ngcobo and Sam arrive.
Zakhele:
Tyma...
Bab'Ngcobo:
Unjani uSmanga?
Zakhele:
Uvukile. You can go check up on him. I'm heading out to find Thandeka.
Sam:
Alright. No stress.
Bab'Ngcobo:
Hamba kahle. Sizokhuluma mangifika endlini.
Zakhele:
Sho, Tyma.
Zak walks out. Bab'Ngcobo and Sam enter Smanga's ward.
Bab'Ngcobo:
Kuhle uvukile.
Smanga:
Hawu, Tyma — angisabuliswa manje?
Bab'Ngcobo (stern):
You think you deserve a greeting after everything you've done?
Smanga:
Amanyala? Mina? I was the one getting tortured day in, day out…
Sam (intervening):
Yehlisa umoya, Smanga. Tyma just meant your actions started wars we never needed.
Smanga:
I appreciate you saving me… but don't disrespect me after all I've done for this family.
Bab'Ngcobo (angry):
Done? You brought enemies to our doorstep. First the Zulus. Then the Nkabas. We're one step from
jail!
Smanga:
Wait… Nkaba's dead?
Bab'Ngcobo:
You didn't know? You were too busy sleeping. Nkaba's gone. And Sipho's alive.
Smanga (stunned):
Sipho? But... how?
Sam:
He framed Clement. Orchestrated the whole war between us and Nkaba.
Smanga:
But… why?
Bab'Ngcobo:
We don't know yet. And now, even Bab'Zulu is dead.
Smanga (jaw dropping):
Zulu… dead? By who?
Sam:
We don't know. But the same number that threatened Zak sent the video and pics of Clement and
Bab'Zulu — straight to Thandeka.
Smanga:
Where's Thandeka now?
Sam:
At home... last we checked.
Smanga:
Are you sure?
Sam:
Yeah… why?
INT. NGCOBO HOUSEHOLD – NIGHT
Zakhele bursts in.
Zakhele:
Thandeka! Babe?
Silence. He looks around.
Zakhele:
Veronica?! Where is everyone?
He runs upstairs. Bedroom empty. Wardrobe open. Clothes gone.
Zakhele:
Where the hell did she go?
He calls her phone. Straight to voicemail. Then dials Zizipho.
Zizipho:
Hello Zak…
Zakhele:
Thandeka's not here. Do you know where she is?
Zizipho:
Check the bathroom. She left a note.
Zakhele walks into the bathroom. Finds the letter.
He reads it:
"I hope you managed to save Smanga.
I'm not good at writing notes, but here it goes.
Your family… the drama… the blood… it's too much.
I'm not a killer. I'm not a gangster. I'm just a stubborn woman from Cape Town.
I can't be the girl you thought would conquer the world with you — or kill it beside you.
I don't even know if I'm innocent anymore.
My father died because I chose you. Clement died because I wanted you.
And every time I say I love you… someone dies.
So I'm disappearing.
Don't look for me.
We may be fate-bound. But this isn't a fairytale.
I love you, Zakhele Ngcobo. Always will.
— Thandeka."
Zakhele (softly):
Okay… fine…
EXT. DESSICATED BUILDING – KIMBERLEY – NIGHT
Thandeka slowly opens her eyes, dazed and weak. She's inside a cage. The air is dry. The walls
cracked.
Thandeka:
Ngikuphi…?
A figure steps out of the shadows. It's Sipho.
Sipho:
Good. You're awake.
Thandeka:
What the hell?! What am I doing here?!
Sipho:
Relax. Don't scream.
Thandeka (furious):
You kidnapped me!
Sipho:
For good reason. Yes.
Thandeka:
How are you alive?! I saw the photo!
Sipho:
I don't have to explain. But your father will.
Thandeka (shocked):
What?! You killed my father!
Sipho:
No. He's alive… and well.
Thandeka:
That's impossible…
Sipho (smirking):
Hold on tight, little sister. You're about to learn everything.
The truth about that day…
Why your blood matters…
And why you're the key to everything.
Fade to black.
END OF CHAPTER FIVE