"Life is weird. The minute you think you have everything, nothing makes sense. You travel far,
sacrifice so much for something — only to realize that something never needed you. Life is weird
because now, all we look back at is the past and regrets that pull us into this hellhole called Earth.
Life is weird because love has become a gamble — a tool to suffer, to torture, to make us feel
worthless… until we snap and turn vengeful."
I just found out that everything I believed in — everything I stood for, fought for — was a plan
made by my own brother. I put my life on hold. I paused my future, my dreams, my purpose… just
to chase truth and justice. But the truth came at a price — a high price — and peace demanded too
many lives.
Detective Mokoena died because of me. Clement was killed because of me. My father — who they
say is still alive — is injured because of me. The Ngcobo family became both heaven and hell in my
life. I watched everyone around me become animals — all because of me.
What do I have that people are so desperate to bleed for? What am I made of that my name alone
draws blood from people's veins?
Too much has happened in too short a time. My mind can't keep up. My heart? Even worse.
The brother I grew up with — the brother I loved, trusted, idolized — is not the one I see now.
Back then, Sipho was gentle. Loving. Always kind. He was my hero. He never raised his voice at
me. Never laid a hand on me. He protected me — always. He was the reason I saw myself as strong.
I was his little sister, and I proudly called myself "one of the boys" because of him. Everything I
became, I owed to his strength.
But now?
Now, I see a stranger. A monster. Someone who wears my brother's face but has no soul. Someone
capable of putting a bullet in his own father. Someone who raised his hand at me. That's not Sipho.
That's not the man who used to bow his head in respect — even when wrongfully blamed. That's a
beast. And I don't know how to love a beast.
Was my love for him too much? Was it so blind that I didn't see the signs? Was it toxic? Or was it
all clouded because of Zak?
Zak.
The love of my life.
The only reason I chose to stay in Jozi.
The only man I saw a future with.
I hope you know that what I wrote in that letter… I didn't mean any of it. I was scared. Broken. And
trying to protect you the only way I knew how.
Right now, I need you, Zak. If you can hear me… if you dream of me… please listen.
I need your help.
Please come save me — or I will die in your name.
Because you and I…
We are bonded by fate.
Scene 1: Bonded by Fate
Scene opens in the Ngcobo household.
INT. NGCOBO HOUSEHOLD - ZAK'S BEDROOM - EARLY MORNING
Zakhele tosses and turns in bed, sweating, visibly disturbed in his sleep.
DREAM SEQUENCE:
Thandeka (in dream): Zak... you're bleeding...
Zakhele: Thandeka? Why did you leave me? You left me all alone in this house.
Thandeka: You chose your family over me. I chose you over mine. Now I'll die because of you.
Zakhele: No! Thandeka, please... Thandeka!
Thandeka: Help me, Zak! Help me! ZAK!
BACK TO REALITY
Zak wakes up screaming.
Zakhele: THAAAAANDEKAAAAAAA!!!! (panting, sweating) Thandeka... where are you?
INT. NGCOBO HOUSEHOLD - DOWNSTAIRS - CONTINUOUS
Bab'Ngcobo and Smanga hear the scream.
Smanga: And then? Are they fighting now?
Bab'Ngcobo: I don't know. But we have more pressing matters.
Sam: Before anything else, what about Thandeka's father? He's dead and we're still trying to close
a business deal. We should be supporting her. Finding the bastard who did this.
Smanga: Why are you so concerned about your brother's girlfriend? Zak should be the one leading
this.
Sam: Smanga... Thandeka is family now.
Bab'Ngcobo: We did our part. We removed the threat. Now we need to finish the business we
started.
Sam: Are you serious, Tyma?
Bab'Ngcobo: Let's hear from Zak. He'll tell us what's next.
Zak enters.
Zakhele: Madoda... ninjani?
Smanga: Sigrand. But tell us about the noise earlier.
Zakhele: Thandeka's gone.
Sam: What?
Zakhele: She left a note. Said she doesn't want to be in this house anymore.
Bab'Ngcobo: Why?
Zakhele: Because I didn't choose her. I left her alone when her father died.
Bab'Ngcobo: Do you know where she went?
Zakhele: No. But I know she's in danger.
Smanga: She left. We didn't force her.
Zakhele: Smanga, shut your mouth! I saved your filthy life and betrayed the one person who stood
by me. Don't talk nonsense.
Sam: Bafo, calm down. What's the plan?
Zakhele: I'm going to find her.
Bab'Ngcobo: Wait... we need to finish what we started.
Zakhele: Tyma, no. My woman needs me more than any deal.
Sam: I'm with you, bafo. These two won't help.
Smanga: Even if we're wrong, how will you find her if she doesn't want to be found?
Zakhele: I know her better than I know my own family. If you won't help, stay out of it.
Bab'Ngcobo: Zak—
Zakhele: Tyma, don't say another word. Let's go, Sam.
Sam: Behind you, bafo. Some family this is.
EXT. XULU HOUSEHOLD - LATER
Steve: Babe, Zak and Sam are coming. They want to talk about Thandeka.
Zizipho: So he knows she left.
Steve: Of course. They share a bed.
Zizipho: Should I be here?
Steve: Yes. He'll want to ask you questions.
Zizipho: I don't know where she is.
Steve: Then don't panic.
(Doorbell rings)
Steve: That's them.
Zak and Sam enter.
Zakhele: Bafo.
Steve: Bafo. How's Sbonelo?
Zakhele: Stable. Hello, Zizipho.
Zizipho: Yebo. Unjani?
Zakhele: Ngi-right. Now tell me, where's Thandeka?
Steve: No one knows. She's as lost as we are.
Sam: We're all worried. It was sudden.
Zakhele: She didn't leave on her own terms.
Zizipho: I've known her all her life. If she planned something, she'd follow through.
Zakhele: Do you know her handwriting?
Zizipho: Yes. Why?
Zakhele: She left a note. But I don't believe she finished it.
Zizipho: Like someone forged part of it?
Sam: Exactly.
Steve: Why would someone fake that?
Zakhele: Veronica was also gone when I returned. She claimed her mom was sick. Bad timing.
Steve: You suspect her?
Zizipho: Veronica's too sweet.
Zakhele: Read the letter. Tell me if it's all Thandeka's handwriting.
Zizipho reads.
Zizipho: The beginning and end are hers... but the middle isn't.
Steve: How can you tell?
Zizipho: Thandeka writes with emotion, never cold and final. And she blocked my number. That's
not her.
Zakhele: Someone wants us to believe she left.
Steve: You think it's Veronica?
Sam: Not alone.
Zakhele: Sipho.
Zizipho: Sipho Zulu? He's dead!
Steve: Babe...
Zizipho: You're serious?
Sam: He's alive. And he may have her.
Zakhele: We need to find him.
Zizipho: But how?
Zakhele: Use your trackers. Pinpoint her last known location. And please, keep this between us.
Zizipho: Okay. Just bring her back alive.
Zakhele: We will.
Sam: Steve, we'll be in touch. I'll send men to scout Jozi.
Steve: Sharp.
EXT. OUTSIDE XULU HOUSEHOLD - MOMENTS LATER
Zak and Sam head to the car.
Steve: Babe, relax. Zak will find her. He always does.
Zizipho: I'm not worried about Thandeka. I'm worried about them finding Sipho.
Steve: He's caused enough damage.
Zizipho: He's still my brother. I don't want anyone to hurt him. Thandeka wouldn't either.
Steve: Why are you more worried about Sipho than rescuing Thandeka?
Zizipho: Because Sipho is dangerous. You don't know him like I do.
INT. ZAK'S CAR - NIGHT
Sam: Bafo... what is it about this girl? Why can't you let her go?
Zakhele: Love isn't words. It's what you do. She betrayed her own father for us. Kept Clement's
secret. She's rare. She's the reason we're still alive. No other woman comes close.
Sam: And?
Zakhele: I'm crafted for her. Our bond goes beyond flesh. No sex. No kiss. But our souls are one.
We're written in fate's book. Even death can't break us. I feel her pain. She cries, and my chest
bleeds. We're tied by fate.
Sam: I hear you, but what if she went to Sipho willingly?
Zakhele: Then I'll hand her my gun. Let her choose my fate.
Sam: I'll help you, bafo. But if things go south... I won't hesitate.
Zakhele: She may already know what Sipho did that day.
FADE OUT.
Scene 2: Bloodline
[Scene: Back in Kimberley — Sipho and Thandeka face off in a dimly lit room.]
Thandeka:
So you're saying I'm the reason all of this is happening?
Sipho:
Yes... and what's crazy is that Bab'Zulu hasn't even told you the truth yet. Mad, isn't it?
Thandeka:
No. You're the crazy one for thinking you can say something like that to me.
Sipho:
Oh, I'll say it. You're not my blood. You're just a kid we found — a stray that needed saving from
your original family.
Thandeka:
I don't believe you. What does that even have to do with all of this?
Sipho:
Good question. Did Zak ever tell you why he really can't let you go?
Thandeka:
Because he loves me...
Sipho:
No, little one. You're a liability. You're the future of the Ngcobo empire. I found your real family —
and they're willing to pay a very handsome ransom for your return.
Thandeka:
You're lying. You're going to sell me out.
Sipho:
I'm doing what our father should've done long ago.
Thandeka:
No...
Sipho:
Stop denying it. You've been lied to since birth — and it's understandable why. But now, it's time to
go home... to your real family. They're coming for you the day after tomorrow.
Thandeka:
No... Where's my father? I want to ask him myself why he never told me.
Sipho:
Too late. I sent him back to Cape Town... to be buried. Stop worrying about the Zulu family. It's
time to move on.
Thandeka:
All those years... all that time... the bond and love we built—
Sipho:
And all that love almost killed me! They chose you over me. He left me to die because of you! Ever
since you came into my life, I've hated you. I never wanted you as a sister. You took my life... and
now, my parents. All I ever did was protect you. Be your "brother." But now? That ends.
Thandeka:
I'm sorry for what happened... but he loved you too. He never stopped.
Sipho:
Lies! Ask yourself — why didn't he want you coming to Jozi?
Thandeka:
Because of the Ngcobo family?
Sipho:
No. Because your real family is here. They saved me. Trained me. Made me who I am now. I
promised them you. In return, I got the freedom to move around Jozi unnoticed... and the power to
take revenge on your precious Zak.
Thandeka:
You can't...
Sipho:
Oh, I will. Your family is one of the most powerful I've ever seen. You're my ticket to success. I let
you have your fun for four years, but now it's my turn. You think this wasn't planned? I forged your
CV. Framed Clement. Took out Detective Mokoena before he could expose me. Shot Bab'Zulu just
to get a taste of revenge on Zak. It all worked out perfectly.
Thandeka: (tears stream down her face)
You framed Clement... and killed Mokoena? He was innocent!
Sipho:
No one's innocent. Not in this world.
Thandeka:
You're a lunatic!
Sipho:
And lunatics run the world now, dear.
Thandeka:
Zak will kill you... and this time, he'll make sure you're dead.
Sipho:
Good for him... bad for you. If I die, your dear Zulu family dies with me. I've got men ready to
shoot your stepmom if they don't hear from me every hour.
Thandeka:
You'd sacrifice your whole bloodline just for revenge?
Sipho:
I have no bloodline. I'm my own blood now.
Thandeka: (heart racing, terrified)
What monster have you become?
Sipho:
I'm not your brother. And tomorrow... you're going to help me kill Zak. That's the day we bury the
name Zakhele Ngcobo.
[Scene: Back at the Ngcobo household – lobby]
Bab'Ngcobo:
Madoda, sinenkinga. uThandeka unyamalele. uCommissioner useshonile. Amaphoyisa agcwele le
ndawo. Zak, kuhamba kanjani ngoThandeka?
Zakhele:
Tyma... no luck. We searched the whole of Jozi. No one's seen her.
Sam:
It's like she vanished. Like she's not even in Jozi anymore.
Smanga:
Or maybe... she's dead.
Zakhele:
Bafo, if you've got nothing helpful to say, rather shut your mouth.
Smanga:
Bheka la bafo — since Thandeka arrived, bodies keep dropping. Why should her blood be any
different?
Sam:
Smanga! Shut the hell up!
Smanga:
I'm just saying what no one wants to say.
Zakhele: (rising, furious)
I should've left you to die in Nkaba's arms and stayed behind with Thandeka!
Bab'Ngcobo:
Zak...
Zakhele:
No tyma! Smanga will never change! He'll never accept Thandeka!
Smanga:
Then shoot me now. (throws a gun onto the table) There — do it.
Sam: (glances at Zak)
Don't...
Zakhele: (glares, then steps back)
I'm not like you. (walks off)
Sam:
What's wrong with you?
Bab'Ngcobo:
You crossed a line today.
Smanga:
Someone needs to say the truth.
Sam:
And who's teaching you anything?
Bab'Ngcobo:
Your brother is in pain. Poking his wounds won't help this family. We need to help him find
Thandeka.
Smanga:
Why should that be our respons—
Sam:
For fuck's sake, Smanga! For once, be a good brother!
Bab'Ngcobo:
We will help Zak. Final word.
Smanga:
Sho tyma.
Bab'Ngcobo:
Did anyone check the CCTV to see what car she left in?
Sam:
No, tyma...
Bab'Ngcobo:
What?
Sam:
We didn't think to check.
Smanga:
Wow. Real professionals. I'll check now.
[Scene: Back in Kimberley]
Thandeka:
What's your plan? How do you bring Zak here?
Sipho:
Alone? Nah, too risky. Not with the Ngcobos on high alert.
Thandeka:
So you're stalling.
Sipho:
If he loves you, he'll come. My plan will play out perfectly.
Thandeka:
What do you mean?
Sipho:
Tomorrow's the anniversary of the Ngcobo matriarch's death... and the transfer of their "other
daughter."
Thandeka: (confused)
Sister?
Sipho:
You knew nothing about her? Shame. They'll have to choose — you or her. I doubt they'll give up
the child they've hidden since before you arrived.
Thandeka:
Why tell me all this?
Sipho:
So you know your boyfriend's walking into a trap — either way, you're going back to your real
family... and Zak's going to die.
Thandeka:
You won't get away with this.
Sipho:
Commissioner Nkaba's dead. I already got away with everything.
Thandeka:
What...
Sipho:
Let's call your boyfriend. (grabs her phone)
You don't lock your phone? Impressive.
(dials Zak)
[Scene: Zak's en-suite bedroom. His phone rings.]
Zakhele:
Thandeka? (answers) Thandeka, are you okay?
Sipho:
Not Thandeka.
Zakhele: (mood shifts instantly)
Who the fuck is this?
Sipho:
You forget fast, Zak.
Zakhele:
Where is Thandeka?
Sipho:
Straight to the point. She's alive... for now. I have a request.
Zakhele:
I don't take orders from cowards hiding behind phones.
Sipho:
Do this, or never see her again. Go to your dad and brothers. Put me on speaker. Then, I'll tell you
everything.
Zakhele:
Let me hear her voice first.
Sipho:
Stubborn... okay.
Thandeka: (in background)
Zak... don't do anything he says!
(line cuts)
Zakhele:
Thandeka! Thandeka!
Sipho:
That's enough from her.
Zakhele:
So... you're alive, Sipho Zulu.
Sipho:
And I'm not here for small talk. Go downstairs. Put me on loudspeaker. Or forget her.
[Scene: Downstairs – Ngcobo family gathered]
Zakhele:
Guys...
Sam:
What now?
Zakhele:
It's Sipho.
Bab'Ngcobo:
Sipho?
Smanga:
He's the one who kidnapped her. CCTV shows him and Veronica taking her in a black BMW.
Sam:
What!?
Zakhele:
He wants to talk to all of us.
Bab'Ngcobo:
Then put him on.
(phone on loudspeaker)
Sipho:
Everyone here? Good. Let's begin.
Smanga:
Yewena nja! Ufunani?
Sipho:
Ah, Smanga. Still loud. How are you, bafo?
Smanga:
Don't call me that! Where's Thandeka?
Bab'Ngcobo:
Don't play games. She's family now. We want her back.
Sipho:
Family? What about your real daughter, Ngcobo? Remember her release plan tomorrow?
Sam:
How the hell do you know that?
Zakhele:
Veronica...
Sipho:
Correct. She's been working with me from day one.
Zakhele:
What do you want, Zulu?
Sipho:
Simple. Choose: Family or love.
Bab'Ngcobo:
What do you mean?
Sipho:
Tomorrow you get one shot to grab your daughter from the Cape Town institution. Your wife's
anniversary too, right?
Zakhele:
Don't mess with us.
Sam:
That's your sister!
Sipho:
She's not my sister.
Smanga: (chuckles)
You're full of shit, Zulu.
Sipho:
Funny you say that, Smanga. Remember the Cele family?
Smanga: (pauses, visibly shaken)
Yes. What about them?
Sipho:
They're involved. And you know why.
Zakhele:
Smanga, what's going on?
Bab'Ngcobo:
What did you do, Smanga?
Smanga: (silent, shaken)
Sam:
Smanga? Who are the Celes?
Scene 3: The Hard Choice – Love or Family
THANDEKA (voiceover)
"The Cele family… Who are they? Why does their name pull something deep inside me — like a
memory I can't reach? If Sipho knows them… and I feel connected to them… could they be my real
family? But if so — why give me away? Why now? Why me?"
INT. NGCOBO HOUSEHOLD – LOBBY – NIGHT
Sam storms into the room. Zakhele follows behind him. Smanga stands frozen, visibly shaken.
Sam
Smanga! What the hell is going on with you?
Zakhele
I've never seen you like this… What name could possibly scare you this much?
Smanga (softly)
It's not just a name, Zak… You don't know what you're talking about.
Sam
Then enlighten us! Who the f*ck are the Cele's, and why are we suddenly walking on eggshells?
Bab'Ngcobo (O.S)
Sam! Yehlisa umoya!
Smanga
The Celes… They're not just some family. They're power. Real power. The kind that doesn't knock
— they blow the door off the hinges.
Zakhele
Powerful how?
Smanga
Pretoria. Montana. That's their ground. Untouchable. They're the family that took down the Bratva
— the Russian Mafia. No gang, no law touches them. They're feared for a reason.
Sam
And what the hell do they have to do with Thandeka?
(Smanga stays silent)
Bab'Ngcobo
Smanga?
Smanga
I don't have all the answers…
Zakhele
But you know something! Why does Sipho know about our plan to move Cynthia?
Smanga
Okay! Alright. I'll tell you everything I know. Just… yehlisani umoya.
INT. XULU HOUSEHOLD – DINING ROOM – SAME TIME
Zizipho stares out the window. Steve scrolls on his phone, tense.
Zizipho
Babe?
Steve
Yeah?
Zizipho
Still no word about Thandeka?
Steve
Nothing. Even the Ngcobo family's gone quiet. It's like she vanished.
Zizipho
So we just sit here?
Steve
Zizi… what must I do? We don't even know where she is.
Zizipho
She's my sister! We can't wait for something to happen!
Steve
I get that. But we're blind in this. Unless something turns up— (his phone rings)
Steve (answering)
Yeah? Any news?
Voice (O.S.)
We've got a live ping on her phone.
Steve
Still active?
Voice (O.S.)
Yes, sir. Sending you the link now.
Steve
Good work.
(He hangs up. Zizipho rushes over.)
Zizipho
Well?
Steve
They got her location. Kimberly.
Zizipho
Then let's go!
Steve
No. You stay. It could be dangerous.
Zizipho
This is my sister, Steve! If Sipho's behind this, you'll need me!
Steve
I can't focus on both of you.
Zizipho
I never asked you to save me. I'm going.
Steve (mutters)
Stubborn woman...
(He opens the live location)
Steve
Kimberly… of course.
INT. NGCOBO HOUSEHOLD – LOBBY – LATER
Smanga
…That's the truth. Everything I know about the Celes.
(Silence hangs heavy in the room)
Zakhele
No way… The Celes? That makes Thandeka—
Bab'Ngcobo
—A Cele by blood.
Zakhele
No… this changes everything.
Sam
If this is true, we've been lied to our whole lives.
Zakhele
Smanga, you knew. And you said nothing.
Smanga
I didn't believe it. I thought it was a test. An illusion. I was young when they reached out. But I
turned them down. I ran.
Bab'Ngcobo
But now, Sipho is alive. And working with them.
Zakhele
Then Thandeka's one of them. And you're telling me… we're walking away?
Bab'Ngcobo
Zak… We're choosing survival. If we interfere, we sign our own death warrants.
Zakhele
She's family!
Bab'Ngcobo
If we choose her… she becomes a liability. Think, Zakhele. This isn't just about love — it's about
war.
Smanga
We step in now, we're finished. No one survives a Cele war.
Sam
We need to focus on the transfer tomorrow. Cynthia is still the priority.
Zakhele
So that's it? You're leaving her behind?
Bab'Ngcobo
I've made my decision.
Zakhele (to Sam and Smanga)
Bafo?
Sam (avoids eye contact)
I'm sorry. I can't.
Smanga
There's nothing we can do, Zak. I'm sorry.
(Zak looks at them all — silent, bitter, betrayed.)
(His phone rings. It's Steve.)
Zakhele (answering)
Sho?
Steve (O.S.)
We got her. Kimberly. Meet me at the warehouse.
Zakhele
Copy.
(He hangs up.)
Zakhele
We've got her location.
(No one responds.)
Zakhele (to Sam)
You coming?
Sam
Drop it. We can't get involved.
Zakhele (to Smanga)
Nothing?
Smanga (shakes head)
Don't be stupid. This is a trap. He wants you alone.
Bab'Ngcobo
You're walking into fire, Zak.
Zakhele
Then let me burn.
Sam
You could die.
Zakhele
Then at least I die for something that matters.
(Zak grabs his jacket and storms out. Silence follows.)
Bab'Ngcobo
Zakhele!
(Door slams.)
FADE TO BLACK.
Scene 4: The Reckoning
INT. KIMBERLEY – ABANDONED BUILDING – NIGHT
Thandeka
So that's the big plan? Stir chaos, make them fight each other — just so Zakhele chooses me?
Sipho (smirking)
That's the whole point. Get him to come here alone. Why do you think I left your phone on? I
wanted him to find you.
Thandeka
You won't get away with this.
Sipho
Too late. I already have. But what baffles me is why you still have so much damn faith in Zakhele.
You're just like her — our mother — even if you're not blood.
Thandeka
At least I carry more of her heart than you ever could.
Sipho (soft laugh)
You want to know why Dad was so desperate for you to marry Nkaba?
Thandeka
Another lie?
Sipho
Believe it or don't, I don't care. He wasn't trying to marry you off for status. It was protection. You
were never meant to stay with us. By 21, you were supposed to return to the Celes — your real
family. Their work raising you was done.
Thandeka (shocked)
What?
Sipho
But no… father couldn't let go. He broke the rules. He loved you more than he ever loved me. He
left me to die in the bushes... for you. Then he defied the deal.
Thandeka
You're lying—
Sipho
The marriage to Nkaba was a shield. A move to keep you out of the Celes' reach. But it was doomed
from the start. Your "gift" became a curse. One by one, I had to clean up what father couldn't.
Thandeka
You're insane...
Sipho
Mokoena. Bab'Zulu. Now Zakhele. All of them — collateral. You may be special, Thandeka, but
your destiny brings death wherever you go.
Thandeka (tears falling)
All of it… because of you!
Sipho
Be grateful it's me. If it wasn't, your precious family would already be corpses.
Thandeka (whispers)
And after Zak?
Sipho
Good question. I take Jozi. Every gang. Every corner. I become the new landlord. Your father made
sure of that. That was the deal.
Thandeka
If I'm so special, why give me away?
Sipho (coldly)
Ask them yourself tomorrow.
Thandeka
You said they're coming the day after tomorrow—
Sipho
Change of plans. Zakhele dies tonight. Tomorrow, I take the throne.
INT. JOHANNESBURG – XULU WAREHOUSE – NIGHT
Zakhele arrives. Steve and Zizipho are already waiting by the entrance.
Zakhele
What is she doing here?
Zizipho
Sawubona nawe.
Steve
She's coming with us.
(Zak pulls Steve aside)
Zakhele
Bafo, this is no playground. You should've left her behind.
Steve
She insisted. You know how she gets.
Zakhele
Well, she's your responsibility. I don't want distractions.
Steve
Understood. Where are the others?
Zakhele
Handling something else.
Steve
Something more important than Thandeka?
Zakhele
I don't care anymore. I'm here. Let's figure this out.
(Zizipho steps toward them.)
Zizipho
You two done whispering?
Zakhele
We weren't whispering. Do you know how to use a gun?
Steve
Bafo — no. She doesn't need to use a gun.
Zizipho
Actually, I do.
Steve (shocked)
Serious?
Zizipho
There's a lot you don't know about me, love. So what's the plan? Just us three?
Zakhele
It'll do for now.
Zizipho
Hmm. Comforting.
Steve
We don't know how many are waiting for us.
Zakhele
Just one.
Steve
Are you sure?
Zakhele
Yes.
Zizipho
We're going to die, aren't we?
Steve
No one's dying. Zak… what's really going on?
Zakhele
Let's just get it over with. I'll explain later.
Steve
You better be right, or we're walking into a bloodbath.
Zakhele
Lock in. This ends tonight.
INT. NGCOBO HOUSE – STUDY – SAME TIME
Sam and Smanga sit in tense silence.
Sam
Bafo… we're really letting Zak walk into this alone?
Smanga
It's not ideal, but we have to rescue Cynthia. Tyma was clear.
Sam
Zak would do anything for us. Even defy Tyma for our safety. Why can't we do the same?
Smanga
We've delayed long enough. If we miss this chance to save Cynthia, she's gone for good.
Sam
You still have your guys in Cape Town watching the Zulu house?
Smanga
Yeah. Why?
Sam
We might need them.
Smanga
For what?
Sam
I'll explain later.
(Bab'Ngcobo enters)
Bab'Ngcobo
Gentlemen. Are we ready?
Sam
Yes. But we're one man short.
Bab'Ngcobo
Stone will fill the gap. Let's move.
INT. ON THE ROAD TO KIMBERLEY – CAR – NIGHT
Zak drives, Steve rides shotgun, Zizipho in the backseat.
Steve
Bafo, this doesn't feel right.
Zakhele
I know. But we'll manage.
Steve
Make sure no one dies tonight.
(Zak is silent.)
Steve
Zak?
Zizipho
What are you going to do to Sipho?
Zakhele
I don't know.
Zizipho
What do you mean you don't know?
Zakhele
It depends on the situation we find him in.
Steve
You know he's changed. He's not the Sipho we used to know.
Zizipho
And if Thandeka—
Zakhele (snaps)
I don't care what any of you want! If you want to keep him alive, you go do it. But I'm the one
putting my life on the line for her — so don't tell me how to handle it!
Steve
Bafo... relax.
Zizipho (quietly)
Okay.
Zakhele
Zizipho… do me a favour. Stay in the car when we get there.
Zizipho
No stress.
(Zak's phone rings – it's Smanga.)
Zakhele (answers)
Sho…
(Unintelligible voice speaks on the other end.)
Zakhele
Okay. Got it. Thanks.
(He hangs up.)
Steve
What was that?
Zakhele
A smart card. Just in case.
FADE OUT.
Scene 5: SURVIVAL
EXT. ABANDONED INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT – NIGHT
The engine cuts. The car stops. A distant building looms under the cold moonlight.
STEVE
Okay… this is it.
ZAKHELE
Park here. We don't want to be spotted.
Steve parks the car about 15 minutes' walk from the building.
ZAKHELE
We do this clean. You got my back?
STEVE
Like always, bafo.
They gear up — bulletproof vests on. Steve loads his AK-47. Zakhele double-checks his two 9mm
Glocks.
They exit the car and start jogging through the shadows, locked in sync, eyes cold with purpose.
ZAKHELE
This is it, bafo.
STEVE
Don't talk like we won't walk out of this.
ZAKHELE
We don't know what we'll find in there.
STEVE
No one's dying tonight. Not on my watch.
They reach the front of the building — oddly unguarded.
STEVE
Strange… not a single guard in sight.
ZAKHELE
Told you. He's alone.
STEVE
Still doesn't sit right.
ZAKHELE
Don't get cold feet now. We're in too deep.
They kick the door down. The inside is dead silent. They move along the walls, tactical, alert.
STEVE
Still no movement.
ZAKHELE
There — stairs. Let's move.
They climb up. At the top, a metal cage is welded into the wall like a makeshift prison.
STEVE
Bafo… is that a cage?
ZAKHELE
Only one way to find out. Cover me.
Zakhele approaches. Steve watches the hallway. They pass a side room, door half-open. Zak steps
closer. A figure stirs inside the cage.
ZAKHELE
Thandeka…?
Inside the cage, Thandeka stirs, dazed.
THANDEKA
Zakhele?
ZAKHELE
(soft)
Hey… shhh. Are you okay?
THANDEKA
No… ufunani lana?
ZAKHELE
I came to get you out.
STEVE
Bafo, we don't have time. Open the damn cage.
THANDEKA
No… Steve… please. You need to leave.
ZAKHELE
What? After all this?
THANDEKA
Zak… please. Listen. You need to go.
STEVE
What's going on?
A voice echoes from the side room — calm, chilling.
SIPHO (O.S.)
Zakhele… Ngcobo.
Steve and Zakhele swing their weapons to the door. SIPHO steps out, holding a detonator in one
hand.
ZAKHELE
You're… alive.
STEVE
Impossible.
SIPHO
Oh, it's very possible.
ZAKHELE
Don't you dare call me friend. Release her. Now.
THANDEKA
Zakhele… (shaking) please leave.
ZAKHELE
Kuyenzekani Thandeka?
STEVE
Yes… what's really going on?
SIPHO
No one's leaving. Not tonight.
THANDEKA
Sipho… please.
ZAKHELE
Thandeka?
SIPHO
She doesn't know yet. But she will.
ZAKHELE
Shut up!
SIPHO
No. You shut the fuck up! I've kept quiet long enough.
STEVE
Quiet? You brought chaos to all our lives!
SIPHO
And whose fault is that?
ZAKHELE
You're talking nonsense. I should kill you right now.
SIPHO
Go ahead. We all die together.
STEVE
You're bluffing.
SIPHO
Ask her.
STEVE
Thandeka?
Thandeka silently opens her jacket. Explosives are strapped to her chest. Steve and Zakhele freeze.
ZAKHELE
Thandeka…
SIPHO
She is the bomb.
ZAKHELE
You sick bastard!
SIPHO
Careful… pull that trigger, and boom — we're all dust.
STEVE
She's your sister, dammit.
SIPHO
No. She's not.
ZAKHELE
Why do this? Why wait till we're here?
SIPHO
Because I wanted you here, Zakhele. Alone.
CUT TO:
EXT. OUTSIDE – CAR
ZIZIPHO stands by the car, restless.
ZIZIPHO
Something's wrong…
She opens the glovebox, pulls out a pistol, and heads toward the building.
CUT BACK TO:
ZAKHELE
Why me?
SIPHO
You have a short memory, neh?
ZAKHELE
Spit it out.
SIPHO
You took everything — my job, my name, my love.
ZAKHELE
Your love?
STEVE
A monster like you… had love?
SIPHO
Mbali. Mbali Sibeko. The one you took. The one you killed.
THANDEKA
Mbali… she worked with Mokoena…
ZAKHELE
You knew her?
STEVE
How the hell…
SIPHO
You never ask questions. You just kill. Like saints.
ZAKHELE
There's no body.
SIPHO
What do you mean?
ZAKHELE
She's gone. There's nothing left.
SIPHO
Drop your guns.
They comply. Kick them away. Sipho raises his gun — points it at Zak.
THANDEKA
No! Sipho, please!
SIPHO
Where's the body, Zak? WHERE?!
He shakes, tears of rage forming.
SIPHO
You ruined me. Zakhele Ngcobo!
STEVE
You're in pain. But this isn't justice.
SIPHO
Justice? You Ngcobos don't do justice. You execute.
ZAKHELE
I didn't know. I swear I didn't.
SIPHO
And maybe I thank you… for letting me live. But then I curse you… for turning me into this.
STEVE
Violence won't fix it. It never will.
SIPHO
(aims gun at Steve)
The war began when you let me live.
He pulls the trigger — BANG!
Steve drops — shot in the upper chest.
ZAKHELE
NOOOOOO! STEVE!!
Scene 6: VEIL OF DEATH
INT. ABANDONED FACTORY – NIGHT – CONTINUATION
Thandeka is frozen, eyes wide in horror. Steve lies in a growing pool of blood.
THANDEKA
(silent, trembling, eyes locked on Steve)
No... no... no...
ZAKHELE
(roaring with rage)
You fuckin' bastard!
SIPHO
(calm, cold)
Watch your mouth... your life is in my hands now.
He slips the detonator into his pocket, eyes unblinking.
SIPHO
Now... where is Mbali's body?
ZAKHELE
Go straight to hell.
SIPHO
You first.
ZAKHELE
You won't get away with this. My brothers will come for you. They'll find you… and they'll end
you.
SIPHO
Your brothers? Hah. Ngizowathenga labo... soon enough, they'll bow before me.
Sipho cocks his pistol and points it directly at Zakhele's forehead.
SIPHO
Where. Is. The body?
THANDEKA
Just tell him, Zakhele! Please!
ZAKHELE
(looks at her, softens, then back to Sipho)
We burned the body. Scattered the ashes at the dam.
Sipho stiffens. Rage floods his face. His finger begins to squeeze the trigger—
THANDEKA
SIPHO, NO!
GUNSHOT!
Zakhele flinches, checking his chest. Nothing. Then he looks at Sipho…
SIPHO
(coughs, blood trickling from his mouth)
…Zizi?
He collapses to his knees, revealing ZIZIPHO behind him, pistol still smoking.
ZAKHELE
(rushes forward, grabs Sipho's weapon, snatches the detonator)
Don't you ever call her that.
ZIZIPHO
(eyes darting)
Steve?! … STEVE!!
She runs to Steve's side, checking for signs of life.
ZAKHELE
How is he?
ZIZIPHO
He's alive. But barely. He's losing too much blood—we need to move, now!
SIPHO
(struggling to breathe)
This… is not… over.
ZAKHELE
Oh yes it is.
Zakhele fires three clean shots into Sipho's chest.
Sipho collapses, eyes locking with Thandeka's one last time before life fades from them.
Zakhele grabs the keys from his body, rushes to the cage, unlocks it, and gently removes the
explosives strapped to Thandeka.
ZAKHELE
Let's go. Steve needs a hospital.
Thandeka stands frozen, staring at Sipho's lifeless body. Her mouth opens… no sound.
ZAKHELE
Thandeka!
THANDEKA
(snaps out of it)
Y-Yeah… okay.
ZIZIPHO
Let's move!
EXT. HIGHWAY – NIGHT
Their car speeds toward the nearest hospital. Inside, Steve groans faintly in the back seat, soaked in
blood.
INT. HOSPITAL – NIGHT
ER doors burst open. Paramedics rush Steve into ICU.
Zakhele, Thandeka, and Zizipho remain behind, shaken.
ZAKHELE
Thandeka… you okay?
She says nothing. Zizipho pulls Zak aside.
ZIZIPHO
We need to talk.
ZAKHELE
Let me start by saying… thank you. For saving us.
ZIZIPHO
Don't thank me. I didn't do it for you. I did it for Steve… and for Thandeka.
ZAKHELE
Still… I appreciate it.
ZIZIPHO
Appreciate this — Steve is in ICU because of you. He followed you into that mess. If I hadn't
shown up… who knows what would've happened.
ZAKHELE
Please… don't go there. He'll pull through. He has to.
ZIZIPHO
He better, Zak. Because if he doesn't — I'm holding you responsible.
She storms off toward Thandeka.
ZIZIPHO
Thandeka… sisi, let me get you something to eat?
THANDEKA
(quietly)
You shot Sipho…
ZIZIPHO
I had no choice. If I hadn't, all of us would be dead. Steve. Zak. You.
THANDEKA
None of that matters now. You shouldn't have come.
ZIZIPHO
We saved you.
THANDEKA
No. You killed everyone. You shouldn't have come.
Zak steps in.
ZAKHELE
What do you mean?
THANDEKA
You should've left me there…
Zak's phone vibrates. Unknown number.
ZAKHELE
(suspicious)
Who the hell is this?
He answers.
VOICE (V.O.)
You got some balls, laaitie.
ZAKHELE
Who the hell are you?
VOICE (V.O.)
Bring Thandeka back — and we'll forget the damage you caused.
Zak's face pales. He knows that voice.
ZAKHELE
…Cele.
VOICE (V.O.)
Now you're catching on. Bring her home, Zakhele… or this ends in fire.
The line goes dead.
ZIZIPHO
Who was that?
ZAKHELE
(stares at Thandeka)
It's the Celes… they want her back.
THANDEKA
(whispers, to herself)
Then it's not over…
END OF SEASON ONE