They stare Tembi up and down before murmuring a few words in a language not understood by either Stephen or Tembeka. ‘Don’t you dare start with that nonsense mchana!’, exclaimed a visibly flustered yet agitated Stephen- unable to comprehend the racial intolerance amongst members of ‘the New South Africa’ .
‘Gentlemen, can we please get down to business?’, Tembi pleaded to bring an end to a potentially uncomfortable situation.
‘Follow me then.’ Constable Ncube directed the couple to the screening room. ‘Stevie, have you ever seen any of these accused gentlemen?’. The screen veil lifted. Stephen was utterly speechless…’Alpha, Silva, Gamma and Andile! Th..The..They *gasp* they were all employed at my parents’ home as gardeners but were all promptly fired 6 months ago after my father suspected them for having stolen one of his tools from his shed.’ Stephen’s blood boiled as the anger within him grew with every glance he took of these men. ‘But why?!’ He thought to himself. Constable Ncube firmly broke the silence, ‘the charges are attempted murder, theft, malicious damage to property and trespassing- maximum 60 years if found guilty’.
Tembi loosened the grip of Stephens’ hand and thought to herself,’ that thick glass is the only thing keeping them safe from Stephens’ potentially harmful wrath. The session came to an end, and the couple were escorted back to the front desk by Constable Archvidi. ‘They are scheduled to appear in court for sentencing in a fortnight’s time.’ Tembi radiated a somewhat shy smile which oddly cooled Stephen. He smiled back before sending an SMS to his father. The text read, ‘Pa, jy sal nie kan glo wat ek nou net gesien het’ie. Alpha, Silva, Beta en Andile sit hier, hulle het DIT gedoen. I hope they rot in jail. Trial = next Friday.’
---oOo---
Seconds turned to minutes, minutes to hours, and hours to days. As the fateful Friday drew near, Helen started showing signs of recovery, as her eyes responded to an optical torch held by Dr Thabalala. Jan hadn’t left his wife’s side all throughout the weekend. On Monday Jan skipped work, as he sensed that being with his’ wife’s side was the only thing keeping him from re-engaging a battle with the drinking problem that he had conquered for just over a year. He declared himself unfit to work. Even wine farmers need a break. 'Kosie, mangage for me please. Helen needs me more than the farm now.' Sunrise to sunset, Mr Jan remained in the room constantly talking to his stark and vividly beautiful wife, with an echo created by the empty room following every word he uttered.
'Of course, Jan. The grapes are not going to wither and die now. The weather is fine. Be at peace, I am here.'
Wednesday, during the visit from Stephen, Tembi and Nonna, she awoke from her coma appearing visibly unwell. Her visitors jumped for joy and immediately alerted the medical staff.
Then the mood transformed from jovial to sombre. After a few minutes of explaining the situation at hand, Helen paid minimal attention to the conversation and recalled only one thing they had told her - Court case on Friday morning. Unable to speak, she blinked her eyes when Stevie explained what had happened at the police station.
Nonna, Stephen and Tembi had to leave when the doctoral staff came in to assess Helen’s condition. After a few moments of fidgeting with gadgets, it was explained to Jan and his spouse that under no condition may Helen leave the hospital until further notice. From the back of the room came a stern summary of the lecture from Dr Thabalala, ‘Failure to adhere to these instruction may be perilous to your health Helen, and it may cause serious damage to your nervous system or even death.’ Helen’s spirit visibly plummeted and left a gap in the neutral atmosphere of the room. She would miss the court session.'
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