Whispers of the Forgotten episode 7

Thabang was busy in his office preparing to solve another case when he saw someone knocking on his office door. “Can I help you, sir?” Thabang asked. “I have a sensitive message to share with you,” Lehadima said, a man who gives the police information. Thabang dropped everything and listened to Lehadima. “Sit down, sir,” Thabang said, looking at him. “There are two men I saw yesterday afternoon, and I think they buried something there,” Lehadima said. Thabang adjusted his tie. “So you suspect something like drugs or what?”

“I think it’s drugs, and I identified someone,” Lehadima said.

“Can you give me the names of those men and take me to that place?” Thabang asked. “These men were driving a ‘Platberg Brick’ truck, and I only identified Thabiso,” said Lehadima. Thabang was surprised, and he believed Lehadima. “Man, do you know that what you said can get you in trouble if you don’t tell me the truth?” Thabang asked, staring at Lehadima. “Officer, I am telling you the truth, I will not lie,” said Lehadima. “Okay, I will task my team to conduct the investigation,” Thabang said. “Thank you.” Thabang was surprised after hearing the news, and Lehadima took him to that place.

The police gathered at the place where Thabiso and Mali buried Neo's body, and they found that there was a body. “We found a body, sir,” said Constable Mphi. “Are you telling me the truth?” Thabang asked. Thabang discovered that the body was Neo. “Guys, this is a body,” Thabang said.

“We need to find the suspects who did this,” Constable Mphi said. “Don't worry, I got the lead from someone, and he gave me their names,” Thabang said, writing the statement. Thabang was furious about this and wondered why Thabiso had done that. “Constable, please exhume the body and send it for an autopsy,” Thabang said.

Thabang visited Thabiso at his home to find out more about Neo's murderer. “Friend, how is life?” Thabang asked. “I am so happy to see you. I am doing well,” said Thabiso, pouring himself a cold drink. “I am worried, I know that you will guide me,” said Thabang. Thabiso wondered why Thabang said that. “You know that I do not know how to guide, especially in these police matters,” said Thabiso, laughing. “A body has been found somewhere at the opening space it was buried, so I wonder who could have done that,” said Thabang, looking Thabiso in the eyes.

“What are you talking about?” Thabiso asked. “I am telling you the truth, we are living in a cruel world. This is a sign showing that the world has come to an end,” said Thabang. Thabiso was a little scared. 

“I think… it’s… these gangs from the informal settlement. Did you go there for the information?” Thabiso asked. “No, you gave me advice. I have some bad news for you, man. The deceased was your colleague.” Thabiso was sweating and didn’t know what to say.

“Chief, are you listening to me?”

“Who could that be?” Thabiso asked, his voice trembling. “Don’t worry, I’ll go to the informal settlement.” Thabang noticed that Thabiso had done that and discovered that he was with Mali. Mali said that Thabiso shot Neo and buried Neo with him. 

The courtroom was quiet as Magistrate Mokoena delivered her ruling. “After reviewing the evidence,” she said, “this court finds that the State has not presented enough to prove a strong case at this stage. There are inconsistencies in witness statements, and no direct forensic evidence links either accused to the act of murder.” She looked at Mali and Thabiso. “Both accused have no prior convictions, are employed, and handed themselves over to the police voluntarily. The court believes they are not a flight risk and pose no danger to the community.” She paused.“Therefore, bail is granted to both accused at R1,000 each, under strict conditions. You must report weekly to the police station and have no contact with any witnesses. The investigation continues.” Mali exhaled, eyes wide with disbelief. Thabiso gave a slow nod, but the weight of what they’d done still hung between them like a shadow.

Brian Makara, 2025