‘Yes, but who didn’t like him mixing with those guys? It could be the government that was upset about his visit. That’s the point. It all depends on what Lesedi was doing there.’

‘Look, this is my country, I know some of these people, I feel it in my guts. You need to get down there.’ He took off his spectacles and placed them with uncharacteristic care on his desk. He looked straight at Lindi. ‘In the old days you’d get a bunch of protesters and they’d sing revolutionary songs and raise their imaginary Kalashnikovs in the air, do a bit of toi-toing in front of the farmer’s house and then it would be lunchtime and they’d wander back home or to the shebeen. Big business, the police, the government know how to deal with that kind of thing. They cut a deal with the union bosses, offer a little bit of extra pay, which is eaten up by inflation, and then everybody goes back to what they were doing before – pissing on the little man. This is different. Lesedi’s killing is a game-changer. We may be seeing the start of something much bigger.’

Anton’s phone rang again. This time it was the landline.

‘Hello. Yes, this is Anton Chetty.’

‘It’s Mbali Modise here from the South African High Commission.’ Anton put his index finger to his lips and pressed the speaker button. ‘We haven’t met but I feel as if I know you.’

‘Oh! How’s that?’

‘Well, like they say, your reputation goes before you.’

Anton raised an eyebrow at Lindi.

‘Now would that be in a good way or a bad way? What can I do for you?’

‘We heard your interview on Today a few hours ago. I was just … we were just wondering if you’d like to come in and talk to the High Commissioner about your concerns.’

‘No, I wouldn’t like to come in.’

‘It’s just that Lesedi Motlantshe’s death has shocked us all and we, the government, we’re obviously as keen as anybody to find the culprit and you seemed to suggest there was a link with the government’s land-reform programme.’

‘Is that what it’s called?’

‘Excuse me?’

‘Selling land to foreigners, that’s land reform, is it?’

‘Getting back to your interview. We were just wondering whether you had any thoughts on who might be responsible for Lesedi Motlantshe’s murder.’

‘I have plenty of thoughts, my friend, but I’ll keep them to myself. As you know, we’re a neutral organisation.’

‘You didn’t sound very neutral this morning. Anyhow, if you do have second thoughts, maybe you’ll come to us first.’

‘Oh, you know me. I wouldn’t make a move without talking to you all first. Have a good day, Ms …?’

‘Semenya.’