Then he spotted a cigarette butt. That was even more odd. It was as though someone had driven to the crossing, relaxed and smoked a cigarette, and then headed back. Kubu was sure there was more to it than that. He went back to his vehicle, collected an evidence bag, and carefully bagged the stub.
Having checked the fence, it was time to see if he could track down the mysterious man who lived near Manyelanong Hill. He unrolled his map and planned the route to the point the constable had marked. Then he set off.
It looked straightforward, provided the roads followed the map. But that wasn’t the case. One road didn’t exist anymore; another forked where it wasn’t supposed to. A couple of times he had to retrace his route, but he did seem to be getting closer.
Eventually, he came upon a small kraal—a group of three huts with a rudimentary fence holding a few goats, and a cooking fire in the clearing in front. An elderly woman was tending a three-legged pot straddling the fire.
Kubu stopped, clambered out of his vehicle, and walked over to her.
“Dumela, mma,” he began. “I’m so sorry to worry you, but I’m looking for a house near here, opposite Manyelanong Hill. Perhaps you know it?”
For a few moments, she said nothing. Then she pointed. “Yes, I know it. It is that way. You will see the house on a rise, but do not go up to it.” She shook her head.
“Why not, mma?”
She shook her head again. “A witch doctor stays there. A bad man. A very bad man.”
“Do you know this man, mma?” he asked, feeling his excitement build.
She shrugged.
“You say he’s a bad man. Why is that?”
“That is what I think. What business is it of yours, rra?”
“I’m just curious, mma. Has he been there a long time?”
“Sometimes he is there. Sometimes not. They do that. Come and go. Sometimes as other creatures.” She made the sign of the cross.
Kubu waited, but she went back to stirring her pot. After a moment she said, “Was there something else, rra?”
He shook his head, thanked her, and headed for his vehicle.
This could be a breakthrough! he thought as he climbed in. If this is the witch doctor from the robbery, he may be the key to the case.
As he drove, he realised he was jumping to conclusions. It was possible that the man wasn’t the one he was looking for—maybe he wasn’t a witch doctor at all. Nevertheless, he couldn’t wait to reach the house and investigate.
Chapter 66
Assistant Superintendent Mabaku didn’t manage to see the deputy commissioner until late in the afternoon. He sat outside his office, wondering whether he’d leave it in one piece. Or still with a job. He certainly didn’t feel his normally confident self.
“The deputy commissioner will see you now.”
Mabaku stood up and nodded at the very attractive PA. “Thank you, Godsend. Wish me good luck!”
She looked at him quizzically, wondering what a lowly assistant superintendent was seeing her boss about and why he needed good luck with it.
Mabaku walked into the office, closed the door behind him, and stood in front of the imposing desk. “Good afternoon, Deputy Commissioner.”
“Please sit down.”
Mabaku sat down on the edge of one of the chairs.
“I hope you have something important to tell me, Assistant Superintendent. I’ve a dinner with a delegation from the Organisation of African Unity this evening.”
Mabaku took a deep breath. “Sir, I have a very sensitive matter to raise.” He stopped to see if there was any reaction.
The deputy commissioner’s face was impassive. “Go on.”
“Sir, as you know, we’re investigating the Debswana diamond robbery. We know that you want it resolved urgently.” There was no response.
“Sir, one line of investigation is to dig into the backgrounds of everyone who knew about the backup plan—to see if there is anything that may indicate an involvement.”
The deputy commissioner nodded.
“Obviously some of the people who knew about the plan may be very upset if they find out what we’re doing.”
“You needn’t worry, Assistant Superintendent. I’ve told all the Debswana directors what we’ll be doing. They weren’t happy, but they’ve agreed.”
“Thank you, sir. That’s a relief. But that’s not why I’m here.”
The deputy commission frowned but didn’t say anything.
“Sir, I believe we have to check into the affairs of the director of the CID, Director Gobey.” Mabaku took another deep breath and continued, his words falling over each other. “It’s not that we suspect him of anything, of course, but if we’re to leave no stone unturned, as you said, we have to look under every rock. We have to be thorough, and the director was one of those who knew the details of the backup plan.”
There was a prolonged silence. Mabaku could feel his heart beating.
“If we do this investigation, Assistant Superintendent, what would you propose we do?”
“Sir, three things. I’d look into his finances—in strict confidence, of course. Second, I’d speak to his wife to see if she’s noticed anything out of the ordinary. And third, if necessary, I’d talk to some of his friends—but that would only happen if the first two raised a flag.”
Another silence.
“Of course, sir, I don’t expect anything to come of this, but I feel we have to be thorough even if it means stepping on a few toes.”
“I understand, Assistant Superintendent. I need to give this some thought. Go for a walk and come back in half an hour.”
Mabaku stood up. “Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.” He turned and walked out, gently closing the door behind him.
“I crossed my fingers.” Godsend smiled. “Did it work?”
“Thank you. I don’t know yet. But please keep them crossed.”
Chapter 67
Kubu followed the woman’s instructions and soon came to the point where a track, even rougher than the one he was following, led to a small house up a slope to the right. He turned onto it and bumped up the hill.
He came to a gate, but it was hanging open, so he continued up to the house. As he reached it, he suddenly realised what a big risk he was taking. What if this was the man he’d been looking for? How would he react to a policeman at his door?
His heart beat faster as he pulled up outside the house.
He knew he should report where he was and what he was doing, so he tried to call in on the police radio. He was rewarded by a burst of static. Clearly, he was out of range.
He hesitated, unsure of what to do, afraid of an unfriendly welcome. Still, there was no need to tell the man who he really was. He could simply say he was lost and ask for directions back to Otse.
He looked around, but there was no sign of a vehicle.
Maybe no one’s here, he thought.
He walked to the front door and knocked, but there was no response. He waited a moment and then hammered on it more loudly. Still nothing. He tried the door and it opened.
Kubu stepped back, unsure what to do next. He suspected that the house was empty, but he had no right to go in, and the owner could be back at any moment. Maybe he didn’t bother to lock his doors—after all, who would dare break into a witch doctor’s house? Kubu knew that the prudent course of action was to head back to town and call the CID, but he pushed the door open and stepped into the house.
He was immediately aware of the nasty smell of rotting meat and wondered if the place had been empty for longer than a few days. He found himself in a living room with a kitchen at one end and doors leading off it. One was on the far side of the lounge and closed; the two closer ones were open, and a cursory inspection revealed a bedroom and a bathroom.
The kitchen was a mess, with dishes piled in the sink. There was an ashtray with severa
l cigarette butts on the counter, and Kubu immediately thought of the one he’d collected at the fence. Perhaps forensics could match them. Next to the back door, he spotted a sack. It was open, and he glanced into it. It was half full of what looked like gravel. Kubu pulled out a handful and let the pieces run through his fingers.
Gravel chips! he thought. Maybe the same as the ones in the Debswana boxes.
He felt an adrenaline rush. He dropped several of the chips into his pocket, and involuntarily turned around to check that he wasn’t being watched. Then he walked over and tried the closed door. It was locked, but the key was in the lock. He turned it, opened the door, and stepped into the room. Now the smell was overpowering, fetid, and sour, and he gagged, trying not to throw up. There was an angry buzz of disturbed flies.
A man was lying on the floor, unseeing eyes staring upwards, his head haloed in a pool of congealed blood. Kubu gasped and bent over for a closer look, but he didn’t need to. It was obvious that the man’s throat had been cut from one side of his neck to the other.
Chapter 68
As soon as Mabaku had stepped out of the office, the deputy commissioner phoned his boss.
“Commissioner, Assistant Superintendent Mabaku of the CID just approached me for permission to take a look at Gobey—a routine investigation because Gobey was aware of the backup plan. Mabaku doesn’t think he’ll turn up anything but feels it’s necessary to be thorough.”
He listened to the response. “Thank you, Commissioner. I’ll let you know what I find, if anything. Also, Mabaku suggests we speak to Gobey’s wife to see if she’s noticed anything. I don’t think that’s a good idea. I suggest we revisit the idea if I find something unusual.”
* * *
When Mabaku returned half an hour later, Godsend held up both hands with fingers crossed. “Please go straight in. He’s waiting for you.”
Those were very ominous words, Mabaku thought as he went into the office.
“Please sit down.”
Again, Mabaku sat on the very edge of the chair.
“I’ve spoken to the commissioner about your request. We both have the highest regard for Director Gobey and cannot imagine he’d be involved in any way. However, we agree with you that we need to be thorough. Unfortunately, there are times when people who should know better do something stupid. So, I will look at his financial situation and will do it in such a way not even the bankers will know we’re interested in him. If there’s anything there, I’ll let you know. In the meantime, you’re to do nothing and say nothing to anyone. Understood?”
“Yes, sir.”
Mabaku felt relief wash over him. He’d done his duty, and the last thing he wanted to do was to investigate his boss.
“What is your plan now?”
Mabaku rubbed his chin. “It seems to me that there are two avenues to explore.” He filled in the deputy commissioner on what they’d discovered from Colonel Venter. “I think I should go to South Africa and follow up with him. We can’t ignore the possibility that the Motswedi police have the diamonds hidden somewhere.” He paused. “The other thing that I suggest is a little deception or misdirection. Stir things up a bit. Perhaps you could phone Chamberlain at Jwaneng and tell him that the police have a breakthrough, and you expect to pick up and question a suspect in the morning. Then do the same with Tau, the security manager, and the operations guy, Goodman. Hopefully, if any of them is involved, he’ll make a mistake of some sort.”
“Thank you, Assistant Superintendent. Go and speak to Venter, and I’ll take care of the rest.”
“Sir, what about Director Gobey?”
“What about him, Assistant Superintendent?”
“Do I tell him about going to South Africa?”
“Of course you do. He’s your superior officer. Just tell him you’re following up on what Venter told you.”
“Yes, sir. Thank you, sir. Enjoy your dinner.” He stood up and headed for the door. As he walked past Godsend, he gave her a thumbs up. He’d emerged from his interactions with the deputy commissioner unscathed. He still had a job and knew what to do next.
The deputy commissioner was also pleased with his interactions with Assistant Superintendent Mabaku.
I like him, he thought. He’s willing to put himself on the line for what he thinks is right. Maybe I’ve found the next director of the CID.
Chapter 69
Kubu drove straight to Constable Murewa’s office in Otse. The constable was locking up for the day as Kubu burst in.
“I found the witch doctor!” Kubu told him. “But he’s dead. Murdered. We need to contact the CID at once.”
“What? Someone’s been murdered? I have to contact Ramotswa.”
Kubu shook his head. “I need CID headquarters in Gaborone.”
The constable nodded and indicated the phone on his desk. Kubu dropped into the desk chair and a few moments later was talking to the director’s secretary because Mabaku wasn’t available.
“Hello Miriam, it’s Kubu. Assistant Superintendent Mabaku is out. Is Director Gobey there? I’m in Otse, and I need help. It’s urgent.”
“Hold on. I’ll put you through to the director.”
There was a pause, and then Gobey came on the line. “What’s going on, Detective Sergeant?”
Kubu took a deep breath and told the director the whole story. Gobey asked a few questions and then said, “I’ll send out Inspector Dow and the forensics people. Tell the local police to secure the scene until they get there. No one should go into the house before that.” He paused. “Why on earth did you go in? You thought a dangerous criminal may be there. Why didn’t you call in first? Didn’t you learn anything at that university you went to?”
“I…I did try, sir,” Kubu stuttered, “but I was out of range of the radio.”
“Suppose the man hadn’t been dead? He might have killed you!” The director’s voice rose. “At best you would be lying knocked out on the floor, and he would be long gone, you idiot!”
“Yes, sir. You’re quite right. I didn’t think it through—”
“You didn’t think at all!” He paused. “And what makes you think the dead man is the witch doctor anyway?”
Kubu realised he had no answer for that. Maybe the man was the witch doctor’s victim. Maybe the witch doctor was still very much alive.
“Well?”
Again, Kubu took a deep breath. “Actually, maybe he isn’t. I just thought—”
“You should do less thinking and more detective work. Now get the local police out there to secure the scene and wait for the inspector where you are. Where are you anyway?”
Kubu said that the best place to meet the inspector would be at the guesthouse where he was staying and described where it was. Gobey noted that and hung up.
Kubu was then faced with convincing Constable Murewa to secure the scene. The constable was anything but enthusiastic about going out alone to the witch doctor’s house. However, after checking with his superior at Ramotswa, he accepted it and headed out.
* * *
It was a long evening for Kubu, who was still shaken up by discovering the murdered man. Dow came with a couple of constables, a forensics unit, and a van to remove the body. Kubu led them all out to the house on the hill, and the constable was relieved to be able to go home for the night. Dow took lots of photographs, and the forensics people started their work.
Dow searched the body but found nothing to identify the man, but Kubu realised that he definitely wasn’t Vusi Tuelo, the man on the APB sheet. He was much older and looked nothing like the South African police picture. Kubu recalled Nari’s description of the man who’d given the pilot the package. That could fit. Perhaps this man was the witch doctor after all.
They also searched for the murder weapon, but there was no sign of it. Eventually, the body was loaded into the van to be taken back to Gaborone f
or autopsy, together with a variety of forensic evidence.
At that point Dow called it a day.
Chapter 70
The deputy commissioner sat and thought for a few minutes about Mabaku’s idea of stirring the pot. That was never a bad thing—people who were worried about something often did stupid things when pressure was applied.
He used his Rolodex to find the phone number of Jwaneng mine, and when the switchboard answered, he asked to be put through to Major Chamberlain.
“I hope you’ve made some progress,” the major said as soon as the deputy commissioner identified himself.
“As a matter of fact, we have, Major. I thought you’d like to know.”
“Of course, I’d like to know. What have you found?”
“I can’t give you any details, because we’re at a critical point in the investigation. Just let me say, we’ve made a breakthrough.”
“Dammit, it was my diamonds that were stolen. I’ve a right to know everything you know.”
“I’m afraid I can’t risk the progress we’ve made. If our suspect got wind of this—”
“What suspect, Deputy Commissioner? I demand to know.”
“Major, you have to realise—”
“If you don’t tell me right now, I’ll call the chairman of De Beers, who will call the commissioner, or even maybe President Mogae. And you may find yourself out of a job.”
The deputy commissioner smiled. He was enjoying stirring this pot.
“Okay, Major. I can’t tell you all we know, but I’ll give you one piece of information. But you have to promise that you will tell no one. I repeat no one. Do you agree?”
There was a silence on the line.
“All right, Deputy Commissioner. I agree, but I’m not happy about it.”
“Major, tomorrow morning, we’re going to arrest someone we’re sure was involved in the robbery.”
“Who?”
“I can’t tell you that, Major. All I can tell you is that it’s someone at Jwaneng—someone senior at Jwaneng.”
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