Kings of Jo'burg (2020) s01e01 Episode Script

[theme music playing]
Top of the morning, Mzanzi.
Welcome to Good Morning Jozi.
I'm Masechaba Ndlovu.
A very interesting morning it is
in Johannesburg today.
Jo'burg Police have issued out
a bulletin to its officers
after a deadly weekend in the city.
The bulletin also stated that gunmen
in recent gang shootings
had weapons powerful enough
to pierce bulletproof vests.
[Sting in SeSotho]
Boss, things are happening.
[Simon] Let's do it.
[dramatic music plays]
[tv show host] Bringing to the fore
the topic of the amount of assault rifles
on South African streets.
A topic we'll be discussing with
our studio guest this morning,
National Intelligence Operative,
Jazmine Gumede.
[dramatic music plays]
What's even more interesting
is that Mogomotsi Masire,
one of the leading members
of Jo'burg's notorious, gun-running
and cash-in-transit gangs,
is being released from prison today.
[tense music plays]
Sure, bra.
[tv show host] So now the question is,
should our citizens be afraid?
I'm joined by Ms. Gumede
in the studio, welcome to the show.
So the fact remains that
of the four gang members, only one
was arrested and served time
and that's only because
he handed himself over.
The other three never saw a day in prison.
[suspenseful music plays]
I'm sorry, is there a question there,
Masechaba?
With gun crimes perpetually on the rise,
is the law failing us?
I don't see how?
Law enforcement did their job.
Mogomotsi Masire was prosecuted
and successfully put behind bars
for the crimes he committed.
The crimes he admitted to.
I hope for a day
when criminals will face justice,
instead of
outwitting the police,
as is often the case.
When we come back,
we will delve into the issue of
gun control in South Africa
with our esteemed guest.
[producer] And we're out, got that.
Thank you, guys.
What the hell is wrong with you?
We had an agreement.
No below-the-belt stunts! You know what?
This is the last time you make
a mockery of my department.
[quiet tense music playing]
[staccato music like gunshots]
[door squeaks]
[in SeSotho] Ah, you said no guns here.
I know these people, no casualties.
[in SeSotho] I have to motivate them.
[in SeSotho] Okay, but you have
ten minutes, okay?
[in SeSotho] Before the guards change
their shifts and they are never late.
After that, you have five minutes
before the back system up runs, brother.
- [in SeSotho] And the boxes?
- The most valuable boxes
are the ones closest to the vault.
- Yeah, yeah.
- Mmm, all right.
[in SeSotho] Tell me, is the vault open?
Yeah. But there's no way
you can get in my brother.
[in SeSotho] See there are three levels
of security
The first two have heat sensors.
So as soon as you enter
the system detects body heat.
From there it's systems, the red ants.
Army, army, the res
Woah, woah, what's wrong now, guys?
What are you doing?
- We have to make it look believable.
- Let's talk
[screams]
[tense music playing]
- Open up!
- [in IsiZulu] Yeah, no relax.
[in IsiZulu] Even the grannies
want to challenge him.
- Argh, no brother, I'll see you later.
- [laughs]
Tell the guy then.
[choking]
[dramatic music playing]
- [beeping]
- [door opens]
[man with gun] Hey! Hey!
Still!
[dramatic music playing]
[typing on keyboard]
- [beeping]
- [alarm wails]
- [beeping]
- [electrical buzz]
[dramatic music playing]
[plastic bag crinkling]
[music ends]
[slow rhythmic music playing]
[dramatic music playing]
- [in Setswana] Where are the diamonds?
- They're in here.
Boss
[in Spedi] Are you sure about this, boss?
[in SeSotho] Don't worry.
[in Spedi] We won't be far.
[rhythmic dramatic music playing]
[dull thud]
So he baited but she didn't take the bite.
You see the point was to
force a meltdown for the ratings.
You know, actually, I don't
know how she did it.
I mean if I was her, I would
have shot somebody.
When the hell did news become
about ratings?
Well, I'm eternally happy that she didn't.
I mean, we are being watched very closely.
- The president's office?
- Yup!
The man wants heads on stakes.
As aggravating as Muzi George is,
he got me thinking.
Hmm!
I doubt that it's George
who got you thinking.
Whatever it is, Captain, it's been toying
in your head for a while now.
Is it not about Mo Masire?
Simon Masire
Oh yes, businessman of the year,
as voted for by his peers.
That smooth bastard.
Careful, sir, um
your deep love for the more charming
of the Masire brothers
might start showing.
- Sir?
- Hmm!
Armoured Africa's central facility
has just been robbed.
Shit.
[sighs] Where's Detective Gumede?
Nobody's seen her since the interview.
Get hold of her.
- Yes, Captain.
- Let's go.
[soulful music playing]
[tense music playing]
[camera shutter clicks]
[car engine rumbling]
[playful music playing]
[in IsiZulu] [sighs] Hi, hello.
Thank you very much for stopping.
You're a lifesaver.
[in IsiZulu] It's not a problem brother,
where are you going?
[in IsiZulu] All right,
where are you going?
You're the one looking for a lift?
Actually, brother, this was a mistake.
I'm sorry, I shouldn't have stopped.
I know how this sounds.
I'm so sorry, but please trust me.
How do I trust a hitchhiker
who doesn't know where he's going?
I shouldn't have stopped, Phumzi.
You don't
I'll be honest with you
but please,
don't leave me behind.
[Mo] I've just been released from prison.
Please, don't be scared.
I mean you no harm.
I just need your help,
you can drop me off anywhere.
Where's your family?
I have no family.
I don't know where I am.
I don't know where I'm going.
Brother, I'm the only child at home,
and my mom is very sick.
I'm sorry to hear that.
[in IsiZulu] No, there's no need for you
to apologize, please listen to me.
I work very hard to make sure my mom
gets the medication she needs.
I'm all she has.
So if you kill me, you must know that
there's an old lady who will go
without her medication
- and she'll probably also die.
- Oh no, no I
I've done a lot of bad things
in my life but not murder.
and I'm not about to start with somebody
who's been so kind to me.
Okay.
[in IsiZulu] Thank you.
[playful music playing]
[pigeons cooing softly]
[soft music playing]
- Aren't you a sight for sore eyes?
- Mmm.
and aren't you full of surprises?
Missed you.
[in Setswana] Where's Tlotlo?
[in IsiZulu] Oh, he took his belongings
and left.
[in Setswana] Did he hear about Mogomotsi?
Yeah, I tried keeping him away
from the TV but
it was all over the morning news.
We need to reassure him that
everything is fine, nothing's changed.
No, you need to reassure him.
You need to reassure him and I
that nothing will change.
Yeah.
Okay.
[rhythmic music playing]
Thank you very much for the lift.
It's a pleasure.
[soft rock music playing]
I know you said you don't have
any family, but I don't believe you.
I'm sure you have someone.
I have an older brother
and a younger sister.
They abandoned you
while you were in prison?
I'm so sorry about that.
Do you have a wife?
Kids?
I have a son
and an ex-wife.
I'm guessing they also
didn't visit you in prison?
My wife divorced me while I was in prison.
Wow
Didn't you guys have
like a strong relationship
to survive you being in prison?
I'm really grateful for what
you've done for me.
But I've really got to go.
No problem, well,
this is my shop, you can come
here if you need anything.
Okay.
I really hope you reunite
with your family.
We all need someone, especially family.
And
it's not much but I really hope it helps.
- [sighs]
- Take it.
[soft music playing]
- Thank you.
- It's a pleasure.
- [in IsiZulu] Thank you.
- Okay.
[policeman] Only one crew can walk
into that vault
and walk out with millions
worth of diamonds,
with much precision,
- and elegance.
- But that's not humanly possible.
I don't care how good that crew was.
How so?
How does a whole human being
walk into that vault, get out
without being detected? I mean,
not even a small animal
could have done that.
Every single inch of that vault
was rigged with thermo-sensors.
Top to bottom.
[tense music playing]
See you just now, sir.
[big exhale]
[big exhale]
[in IsiZulu] Hello.
- [in IsiZulu] Yes, brother?
- May I please use your phone?
- [in IsiZulu] Oh. There you go.
- Thank you.
[suspenseful music playing]
Hi, how are you?
I'm fine thank you, um
I'm looking for Tlotlo Masire.
Oh yes, no, I'm an old friend.
I'm just looking for his number.
[in IsiZulu] Thank you.
Can you write this for me?
Uhm, just hold on, please.
Zero, zero, seven, one
[lively music playing]
[phone ringing]
[sighs]
Jesus Christ.
Hello?
Hello? Hello? Speak! The fuck
Uhm, hi. Uh, Tlotlo
It's me it's your father
[suspenseful music playing]
Um, I'm just going to say
something that no one is willing to say.
[in Setswana] Carry on.
[in SeSotho] You know Mo is out.
and he hasn't reached out
to any one of us.
Gentlemen, I can't say
that is not strange.
Gents.
[in IsiZulu] Don't forget we left this man
inside for all these years
without saying anything,
without buying him cigarettes,
without sending him money.
If you were him,
[in IsiZulu] what would you do?
- would you reach out?
- My man, I would be pissed!
I would be a dangerous man!
And that's exactly my point.
We need to treat Mo as an enemy
until Mo proves himself otherwise.
[in IsiZulu] So what must we do?
Should we wait for him to make a move?
Shouldn't we be more proactive
Go on the offense, you mean?
Simon
[in SeSotho] Mo is your brother.
this can't be easy for you.
We're not animals, but we need
to be smart here!
[in Setswana] You're correct, Mogomotsi
is my younger brother,
and don't you forget we are all walking
free because he took a bullet for us!
Okay, you tell us what to do then.
Are you going to stand between us and Mo?
Because we all know here
what Mo is capable of,
especially when he's motivated.
[in IsiZulu] One thing you need
to remember Simon,
- we've got kids and family.
- [phone rings]
[in IsiZulu`] Do you think
this can put us in danger?
I need to take this.
[in Setswana] Tlotlo? Where are you?
Your mother is worried sick!
Think you should come see him.
Who?
Who the hell do you think man?
[suspenseful music playing]
Where are you?
I'll text you the address.
[tense music playing]
How's university?
I take it you left
[in Afrikaans] There's very good money
there,
one of his companies.
I don't work for him.
I work with him.
I've got my own company.
That's good.
What kind of company?
What's going on, hm?
You're back after ten years.
What now? What's the plan?
I don't know.
Maybe start afresh.
Find a different way to make a living.
- Maybe make better decisions.
- Huh!
And you think that's possible?
You're just going to come back and
rewrite history?
Wouldn't hurt to try.
[in IsiZulu] Look um
I haven't seen you
in over ten years now.
I'm hoping we can
build a relationship.
Why did you do it?
[sad music playing]
It's complicated.
Didn't seem that complicated to me.
[tense music playing]
You chose to sacrifice everything,
including your family
for your brothers.
- Look, it's not that
- [knock on door]
[tense music playing]
Brother.
Brother.
[tense music playing]
[lively music playing]
Right!
To my brother.
Most honorable man I know.
The most honorable man any of us know.
To Mo!
[in Setswana] It was tough, that's why
I couldn't see you in prison.
But I'm sure you understand
we had to keep our distance
to protect the innocent.
Yeah, I mean we couldn't
give the cops a reason,
and I hope you understand that, Mo.
- This is good.
- Hm.
Only the best for you, brother,
only the best.
You know what?
[in Setswana] It's boring here,
you guys are too quiet.
Let's order room service
and turn this place up like we used to.
- [laughs]
- Yeah, why not?
Tlotlo
Tlotlo.
[Menzi in SeSotho] So,
how are things going, champ?
You know it's It's going to take a while
to shake off the stench of the big house,
but we are here for you,
I mean if you need anything.
Anything.
I appreciate that.
We missed you, man.
That's strange, you know.
Seeing as though none of you
came to see me
when I was in there.
You know, a
carton of cigarettes
maybe some airtime, would have been nice.
If I didn't know any better
I would have thought that you
wanted me to die in there.
[tense music playing]
But I know better.
- [knock on door]
- [female officer] Police, open up!
- [dramatic music playing]
- [knock on door]
Mr. Masire, we know you're in there.
It's Jazz!
- [Ayanda] Jazz!
- [Menzi] Hey, Jazz!
[Mo] Hey, Jazz.
[Simon] Jazz
to what do I owe the pleasure?
Oh, it's the other Masire we're here for,
actually.
Perhaps you and I could have
the pleasure some other time?
I would love that.
Mo Masire
you are under suspicion of the
robbery that happened earlier today
at Armoured Africa.
[in Setswana] Please come with us
so we can ask you some questions.
Do you have a warrant? Evidence?
He's still on probation.
[in Setswana] Take him.
[dramatic music playing]
I'll get you out.
Gents.
[dramatic music playing]
[music ends]
[door slams]
I'd offer you one of those
ten thousand rand a bottle of whiskey
that you were enjoying earlier today,
but all we have is instant coffee.
I didn't do it.
Whatever it is that you've brought
me in here for, I didn't do it.
I left prison this morning.
Now
why would I do something so stupid?
Relax, Mo,
we know you didn't do it.
I mean, at the time of the robbery
you were at the back of a police van, so
we can't place you
at the scene of the crime.
Then what is this?
We figure
since you want to start a new life,
a life without crime,
you'd want to help us.
What do you want?
Your brother, Mr. Masire.
You've served your time,
we've got no issues with you,
but you see
this robbery that happened today,
now that's got your brother,
Simon Masire, written all over it.
And you're going to help us prove it.
[tense music playing]
I tried to talk to him personally
but they wouldn't let me.
Apparently, he's refusing representation.
Did Mo do it?
No.
Okay, you seem sure?
I am sure.
Or did you make it look like he did it?
[tense music playing]
I mean
no one would blame you, but
Look
Menzi doesn't trust him
and I think he has a point.
Mo can be a very dangerous man
if he wants to be.
[sinister music playing]
[in Setswana] Please give us space.
Simon, any news?
No.
[in SeSotho] I sent Horowitz, to go
and see if they're not leaning on Mo.
But then Mo refused to see him.
I'm concerned, sir.
[unsettling music playing]
Can we trust him, Simon?
[in Setswana] Don't do anything
until I send some reinforcements.
Simon, Mo is your brother, I get it.
I wouldn't want to be in your shoes
right now. But
can we handle him?
He is my brother.
[in Setswana] I want to look him
in his eyes first.
Do you understand me?
[in Setswana] Go.
[grunts]
[Menzi] Sharp.
Menzi
My wife is off limits.
[in Setswana] You have something to say,
you say it to me.
Uh sure.
Understood.
[dramatic music playing]
[door opens]
[sighs]
The answer is no.
And I'm sure you have other cards
up your sleeve.
I suggest you play them.
And what else can you do to me?
You going to recharge me?
Hmm, we both know that won't fly.
But it's easy really
all I have to do is just place you
at the scene of the crime.
You've changed, Jazmine.
I mean
you used to be one of the good guys.
I grew tired Mo.
I grew tired of bastards
like your brother,
who always win by not playing fair.
All right, it's fine.
Do what you have to do.
Go ahead and frame me.
You leave town
for business
the same day, that crime
that you specialize in happens.
The same time
he gets out of prison.
It's all a coincidence.
Say what you really mean.
Say what I really mean? Okay.
Are you framing my father?
My brother, you mean?
Because before he was your father,
he was my brother.
That's fair.
That's fair.
But
But
Before she was your wife
she was his wife.
So what's your point?
You're drunk.
And you're high on those fucking drugs.
So I'll forgive you.
Get out of my face
before I do something I'll regret.
As you wish.
Father.
[tense music playing]
[sighs]
Boss.
Sure.
[in SeSotho] I have a job for you.
[in Sepedi] Why isn't it coming from
Father? I'm used to dealing with him.
[in Afrikaans] Actually
[in SeSotho] Do you work for Simon
or do you work for the company?
[in SeSotho] All right, what do you need?
Mo Masire
[in SeSotho] We have to neutralize him.
[in SeSotho] Does Father know about what
you're telling me?
[in SeSotho] Of course Father knows,
he's the one who sent me.
We all understand
why he couldn't do it himself.
[in SeSotho] So will you be able to do it,
or must I get our contact from Mozambique?
[sighs]
[in Sepedi] No, I'll do it.
[in Sepedi] Only if that's
what Father wants.
[in Sepedi] I'll do it myself.
Sure.
[in SeSotho] All right, let's make sure
you do this by tomorrow end of day.
Clear?
Sharp, get out.
[tense music playing]
[Jazmine] Will she understand
when they tell her about you?
Who is she?
[Jazmine] Look at her.
Take your time.
Remind you of someone?
- Who is this child?
- Look at her.
[suspenseful music playing]
[music ends]
Baby, is that you?
I didn't know you were bringing guests
so late this evening.
- Babes
- Where is she?
I could have prepared for our guest.
Where is she?
[Simon] What's going on?
[in Setswana] Who is this?
She looks like our mother.
She's the spitting image
of her grandmother, isn't she?
Look, I you would never
[Mo] You told me you lost the baby.
You told me because of the stress I was
giving you, you lost the bloody baby!
Where is she?
- Look, I, she
- Where is my child?
She's with my mother!
- Mo! Stop! Stop! Stop!
- Where the fuck is she? Where is she?
- What is wrong with you?
- Where is my child?
- She's with my mother.
- Thank you
Baby please, I can baby please
I can explain
[tense music playing]
[Simon] Mo!
[in Setswana] Mogomotsi!
Where are you going?
I want to take my child.
- Let me take you.
- I don't need you to take me anywhere.
In fact, I need you to stay
the fuck away from me.
In fact, I want the three of you
to stay as far away from me as possible.
You've been taking from me
my whole entire life.
I have got nothing left to give.
- I'm sorry, Mo.
- Oh, come on!
All I wanted to do is make sure
your family is taken care of.
Bullshit, man!
You've had the hots for this girl
from the very first time you ever
laid your eyes on her
and it pissed you off that she chose me,
and you've never gotten over it!
- For once in your life, just be honest.
- I said I'm sorry!
I don't need you to be sorry!
I don't care about it anymore.
I stopped caring about it a long time ago.
All I need right now is to meet my child.
For fuck sakes, Mo, you don't have a car!
Let me take you!
Get in!
[Simon] Fuck!
[tentative music playing]
[music fades]
[birds singing, crickets chirruping]
[Simon] She looks
just like her grandmother.
[Mo sighs deeply]
Go.
[tender music playing]
You're my father.
Grandma showed me a photo of you.
Have you come for me?
Yes, baby.
Um, this is for you.
Fancy Italian suits
are not my style anymore.
It's just not my life.
I'll take it.
- But you have to take this.
- No.
Mo, come on.
You're entitled to half
of everything I own,
you're my brother.
It's not for you, it's for her.
[Mo sighs deeply]
Please.
You ready to go, baby?
Mm-hmm.
Call me when you're ready.
Uncle, can I take this?
Of course, my baby.
Thank you.
So much to do.
Let's go.
Hey, Tlotlo.
How you doing?
[sombre music playing]
Let's go, baby.
[music picks up speed]
[big exhale]
[Mo] So tell me about
your favorite sport at school?
Well, Papa, my favorite sport
is Netball.
- Netball?
- Yeah.
What position do you play?
I play center.
- Center?
- Yeah.
What does a center do?
- Basically everything.
- Everything?
So you the main man.
Papa, I'm tired.
- You tired?
- Yeah.
You know what my father
used to do with me when I was tired?
What did he do?
He used to put me on his shoulders and
I could see really far.
- Want to see that?
- Yeah.
I wish I could but you're too tall.
- Please?
- I could put you on my back though?
- Do you want to try that?
- Yeah.
[grunts]
My netball baby, so athletic!
Come, hold
Is that too heavy?
- No it's fine.
- It's not too bad?
Okay, now don't worry.
We're almost there.
Daddy's friend lives very close to here.
- [Neo] I like carrying.
- I'm also getting tired though.
[in IsiZulu] Please put them inside.
Thank you.
- [Phumzi] Hi!
- Hi.
[Phumzi] Who's this pretty girl?
Hello, I'm Neo.
- How are you?
- I'm fine.
You must be thirsty, guys, come in.
Okay, cool, let's go.
Okay, you want to jump now?
[sinister music playing]
[Phumzi] How are you?
[Mo] I'm fine.
Okay.
Oh yeah, I
I thought I should come here
and return this.
No, no that's way more
than what I gave you
and it was a gift, I was helping you out.
Well, this is me helping you out.
You can't return a gift, that's rude.
Maybe you could stock up the shop or
get some medication for your mother.
You're not going to stop, are you? Hmm.
So what's going to happen now?
With you and Neo?
Uhh looking for a place to rent.
Someplace with a yard you know,
for her to be able to play.
It's not going to be easy.
I know. With my record and everything.
I have something to show you.
But first, Neo?
Come here, my sweetheart.
What's your favorite color?
Blue.
- [Neo] Blue.
- [Phumzi] You can have it, my sweetheart.
[Neo] Thank you.
Come give me a hug.
- Do you like it?
- I do.
Did you say thank you, baby?
- I said thank you.
- Do you also want one?
- Oh no, thank you.
- [laughing]
I would have taken the yellow one.
- You can have it.
- But blue is fine.
- Thank you.
- Okay.
It's a pleasure, my sweetheart.
And now come.
[in IsiZulu] I used to live here.
When I was starting my business,
and I've been looking for a tenant.
You can have it if you want.
[Mo] As long as you allow me to pay rent.
Well, of course!
There's nothing for mahalo,
what do you mean?
It's this side.
There you go.
Help me.
There you go, come love.
You can just relax here, my baby.
- So yeah.
- Yeah.
You can keep the sofa,
[in IsiZulu] but you'll have to get a bed
[in IsiZulu] and a room divider here
that you can put there.
Okay.
- [in IsiZulu] I like it.
- Really?
- Can I go look at the other side?
- Yeah, yeah, sure.
[threatening music playing]
Do you like it?
Yeah?
Really? So you'd stay here?
- Oh, no.
- [Phumzi laughs]
[gunshot]
[screaming]
[gunshot]
[gunshots]
[glass breaking]
[gunshot]
[gunshot]
[dramatic music playing]
[grunting]
- [crying]
- [sad music playing]
[theme music playing]