‘If SABC is an independent broadcaster then I’m a black man,’ said François. ‘I think he meant job security, not national security. Your fokken boss is so far up the ANC’s arse he wouldn’t remember the way out even if he wanted to get out.’

‘Anyway, tonight’s late news will have an item raising suspicions about a shadowy group that’s trying to derail land reform. They’ve even found some academic at the University of Johannesburg to say he’s been monitoring our statements and that it all adds up to a conspiracy. That’s harmless stuff. But this is the bit that matters – he’ll say this underground group is probably responsible for Lesedi’s murder and that it could be the first of many.’

‘It’s nice to know someone is actually reading the stuff,’ said Sharmi. It raised a chuckle around the room. ‘How does that feel? Some greasy-haired academic poring over every word you write.’

Two-Boy reached for the bottle of Klipdrift – conspicuously avoiding Kagiso’s eyes – and poured himself a generous glass, which he topped up with what was left of the Coke. He lowered himself halfway down to the floor, then let his bulk drop the rest of the way. His head resting against a wall, he shut his eyes and took a long swig of the drink. It seemed to give him a second wind.

‘The bottom line is this – they’re looking for you,’ he said, pointing at Kagiso. ‘Well, not you by name, but whoever is responsible for the statements. The case is being handed over to the anti-terror unit, the Cheetah Squad, or whatever they’re calling it these days. I’ve seen some of the stuff they’re sending the news guys. They think you – I mean the writer – are either a meddling journalist, because they’re written statements, or some sort of extremist. They think you’re being helped, and they’re hoping the help is coming from abroad. That way they get to call it a foreign plot. The report will say a member of an underground extremist group has been in the area and will ask people who’ve seen strangers to come forward.’

‘Did they describe the person they’re looking for?’ asked Sharmi. ‘You know – did they say whether it was a man or woman? Any racial description?’

‘No. But they did say they’re getting evidence that someone from outside the province was in the area and probably organised the murder … I think they called it “a planned assassination”.’

‘What kind of evidence?’ Sharmi again.

‘Didn’t say. My guess is they’re bluffing and all they have to go on is Kagiso’s last entry. I think that’s the only reason they know we’ve been in the area,’ said Two-Boy. ‘But I can’t be sure. It’s possible someone might have noticed you when you went to the camp that was attacked.’