Most Wanted
Pradeep, a police officer stationed in Benoni, South Africa, found himself dissatisfied with his mundane life. Seeking excitement, he hatched a daring plan to rob a bank. He booked an early flight from Johannesburg to Durban, rented a car upon arrival, and drove to a local bank. Just before leaving his car, he slipped on a wig and a false beard. He then walked into the bank, waved his gun at the teller, and ordered her to stuff his bag with cash. Once he had the money, he quickly left and caught the next flight back to Johannesburg.

The heist went off without a hitch, and Pradeep was exhilarated. This rush led him to plan yet another bank robbery, and then another, until he found himself jetting off to Durban every time he had a day off work to pull off another heist. He even took to robbing local banks in Johannesburg during his lunch breaks. Thanks to his clever disguises, he could commit the crime and then return to the scene later to blend in, with witnesses completely oblivious to the fact that he was the culprit they were describing.

Pradeep had turned bank robbery into an art form; he was so familiar with the security systems that he could manoeuvre through them with ease, escaping capture time and again. Over four thrilling years, he pulled off heists at around 30 banks, each escapade offering him a jolt of excitement that kept him coming back for more.

One fateful evening, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. Amidst the buzz of a lively gathering, he overindulged in drinks and found himself deep in conversation with his friend Larry. In a moment of reckless confidence, he began to brag about his recent bank heists, asserting that he was an expert in the field.

Larry was employed by SAMBO, a division of the South African Police Service dedicated to tackling organised crime, economic offences, and corruption. Given his role and the oath he had sworn, Larry believed he couldn't remain silent about such a secret, so he ultimately decided to inform his superiors.

The next time Pradeep returned from Durban, still riding high from his latest bank heist, the police were poised and ready at the baggage claim. He was arrested, faced trial, and sentenced to 18 years behind bars. However, Pradeep wasn't about to give up; he began devising his escape plan the very day he received his sentence.

During his time in prison, he encountered a man named Mpande, and soon after, he met another inmate called Fanie. Both were serving time for robbery, and before long, the three of them formed a strong friendship.

After spending nearly three years behind bars, the trio devised an audacious escape plan. They began by Pradeep and Mpande pretending to be injured, convincing the prison guards to take them to an outside physiotherapist for treatment. Once they arrived, they seized the opportunity, overpowering the guards and snatching their weapons. With the guards' guns in hand, they hijacked the physiotherapist's car and made their daring getaway. After their escape, they decided to keep a low profile for a while.

Several months had gone by since they had escaped from prison and chosen to lay low for a bit. This time allowed them to strategise their next move: a daring rescue for their friend still behind bars. On a Saturday morning, during the guards' shift change, Pradeep and Mpande stormed the prison where Fanie was confined, guns blazing. They managed to break him out, and with all three now on the run, they sought refuge from the law.

Pradeep was restless and wanted to hit banks again; he yearned for that exhilarating feeling that came with it. So, the three of them embarked on a bank-robbing adventure, starting with one bank and quickly moving on to another, then a third. They continued their spree, robbing bank after bank, all while donning absurd disguises: oversized sunglasses, bushy moustaches, and phoney beards. They looked almost silly, but their teamwork was impressive, allowing them to complete a bank heist in under five minutes. On some days, they even managed to rob multiple banks in the same day without getting caught.

As their exploits gained notoriety, news of the bank robbers spread like wildfire through the community. Surprisingly, many locals began to rally behind them, captivated by how they outsmarted the police. Pradeep, Mpande, and Fanie found themselves transformed into unlikely heroes.

Over the course of several months, this series of crimes continued unabated. The gang members took refuge in safe houses, robbed banks whenever the opportunity arose, amassed a significant amount of cash, and spent their downtime with numerous escorts.

Pradeep had a troubling habit of approaching unsuspecting young women under the guise of a professional photographer. He would entice them to his hotel room with the promise of a photoshoot, only to exploit them in a horrific manner. One of his victims found the courage to report his actions to the authorities.

Untimately, the trio was declared South Africa's most wanted, with their images plastered across every media outlet, sparking conversations everywhere. The buzz about them was inescapable.

Aware that their capture was imminent, the trio devised a strategy to escape the country. They began by resolving to acquire a medium-size yacht, intending to escape the country by sea. They considered this route to be a safer option compared to taking flights. A couple of days later, Pradeep travelled to Melbourne, Australia, using a counterfeit passport to finalise the yacht sale negotiations.

The following day, at around 4:00 am, back in South Africa, law enforcement arrived at one of the gang's hideouts. The police were outside, and Mpande was the only one present at the location. It seemed that some of the escorts the gang was associated with had informed the police about their hideouts.

Police ordered the gang to come out with their hands raised. In a surreal moment, Mpande, still dripping from his shower and entirely naked, reached for his weapon and found himself in a frantic butt-naked shootout with law enforcement. The police burst into the house, and gunfire erupted around him as he dashed from one room to another, firing back at his pursuers. When they finally cornered him, he made a tragic choice, turning the gun on himself and ending it all.

In the meantime, Fanie received a tip-off that the police were closing in on them. He quickly made his escape, using a counterfeit passport to catch a flight to Dubai. By the time the police conducted their raid on the gang's safe houses, he had already vanished. However, in one of those locations, they discovered photographs of a woman whom Pradeep had assaulted several months earlier. This evidence not only corroborated her account of being exploited by him but also linked the safe house directly to Pradeep.

The safe house provided crucial information that directed the police to the yacht they had purchased. From there, they traced a crew member hired to navigate it, who revealed that Pradeep was meant to transport the yacht to Melbourne, Australia.

This development led law enforcement to conclude that Pradeep might be in Australia. Local newspapers caught wind of the story and began featuring Pradeep's photo, causing residents in Melbourne to be on the lookout for him.

One fateful morning, everything began to unravel for Pradeep. He was browsing a car dealership, eager to find a new car, worried that his old one might give him away. The salesman, having seen Pradeep's face in the local newspaper, kept quiet at first but later decided to alert the authorities.

That night, the police made their way to Pradeep's apartment, forcefully entering the premises. But to their dismay, Pradeep was nowhere to be found. Just when it seemed like they were at a dead end, one of the officers saw him whizzing by on a bicycle. There was no mistaking it; he knew it was him. The police officer ran over and confronted him. Pradeep, realising what was going on, jumped off his bike and made a run for it. The police officer pursued him relentlessly until he finally caught up. Pradeep, who had been feigning surrender, suddenly lunged for the officer's shotgun. In a split second, the officer reacted by drawing his secondary weapon and fired four shots into Pradeep's chest, resulting in his immediate death.

Fanie, the last survivor of the trio, found himself in Brazil, where he attempted yet another robbery. His plan failed spectacularly, resulting in his arrest and a life sentence with no possibility of parole.

"Now that I knew fear, I also knew it was not permanent. As powerful as it was, its grip on me would loosen. It would pass."

Louise Erdrich, The Round House

Quick Reads

Love In The Skies
Kourtney was absolutely passionate about skydiving, to the point where she would leave her husband and kids at home every weekend just to soar through the skies. With Theodorer as her skydyving partner, their shared passion for jumping out of planes soon led to a deep connection and a love story that unfolded in the skies every weekend, sharing intimate moments.

Kourtney eagerly anticipated each upcoming weekend to steal some time with Theodore. Little did she know that Theodore was also involved with another woman, Gwen, who was an avid skydiver and deeply infatuated with him. Gwen was aware of Theodore's relationship with Kourtney and was not pleased. Determined to remove Kourtney from the equation, she set out to make it happen.

Gwen's attempts to sabotage Kourtney's affair with Theodore were all in vain. Despite her best efforts, Gwen couldn't seem to put an end to Kourtney's affair with Theodore. The anonymous letters and creepy phone calls only added to Gwen's frustration. The situation was made even more challenging by the fact that Gwen and Kourtney were friends who always shared thrilling skydiving adventures together.

Gwen and Theodore had a lovely dinner out one evening, but when they returned to Theodore's place, they were greeted by a surprise: Kourtney was there, ready to spend the night with Theodore for the first time. Gwen had to keep her composure and spend time with both of them, hiding her feelings of jealousy. The night took an unexpected turn, with everyone finding themselves crashing at Theodore's place. Kourtney and Theodore shared the bed, while Gwen made do with a sleeping bag on the living room floor.

Gwen found herself sprawled on the living room floor, overwhelmed with frustration. In a sudden burst of anger, she sprang to her feet and grabbed a pair of scissors. Without a second thought, she began dismantling Kourtney's skydiving equipment that was lying nearby. She meticulously cut through the parachute, removing the pilot chute and severing crucial straps.

Two weeks later, Kourtney, Theodore, and Gwen were all geared up for a thrilling skydiving experience with a larger group. As they soared up in the plane, excitement filled the air. They leaped out and formed a perfect formation, but disaster struck when Kourtney's parachute failed to open. Despite her skydiving expertise, fear crept in as she frantically tried to release her reserve chute. With no luck, she plummeted over two and a half kilometres to the ground. Down below, a woman in her yard suddenly heard a crash and went to check. She discovered Kourtney in the bushes, and it was clear that Kourtney didn't make it. The police got involved and took Kourtney's parachute to a parachute expert. Without delay, the expert concluded that the parachute was tampered with. He also pointed out that the pilot chute was missing.

Gwen unexpectedly showed up at the police station with the missing pilot chute, claiming that Kourtney's gear was not sabotaged. However, her actions raised suspicion when the police realised that they had never disclosed the missing pilot chute. When questioned about how she knew, Gwen's refusal to provide details landed her at the top of the suspect list.

Following additional police investigation, it was discovered that Gwen, Kourtney, and Theodore were involved in a love triangle. It was revealed that Gwen had spent the night in Theodore's living room, near Kourtney's skydiving gear. She was found guilty at trial and sentenced to 25 years in prison for sabotaging Kourtney's parachute, leading to her death.
The Republic - Part I

With bated breath, the nation awaited the election of the new president and his proposed plans for the country over the next five years. Change was on the horizon, creating a sense of excitement and uncertainty among the people.

During the recent national elections, political parties spared no expense, pouring record amounts of money into ensuring that their campaigns resonated with and persuaded as many potential voters as they could. Mantoa and a number of other independent candidates had to hustle for financial support and appeal for donations to fund their election campaigns. Smaller political parties also struggled to keep up with the financial backing of larger political parties.

Despite Mantoa's unwavering dedication and hard work, she understood the tough reality of facing seasoned political rivals and the slim chances of winning the national elections. Nevertheless, she fearlessly continued to advocate for the realisation of the "Freedom Charter" during her campaigns, echoing the dreams of those who fought and died for economic freedom for her people.

The country's recent elections wrapped up without any political party winning a decisive majority to lead the country for the next five years. The enduring dissatisfaction of the public with the existing government was evident in the voting, signalling a major change in the political scene. Now, it's a whole new ball game.

In light of the governing party's inability to secure a clear majority, the only alternative to retaining governance was to enter into a coalition with other political parties or independent candidates in order to reach the minimum requirement of 51 percent of the seats in parliament necessary to govern the republic. Having governed the country for the past two decades, this was uncharted territory and a humbling experience for a political party that has governed the country since the dawn of democracy.

It turned out to be a mammoth and an impossible task for the governing party to find a coalition partner, given their bad reputation for corruption and financial mismanagement. It would have been morally wrong for progressive parties to get into a coalition with the outgoing government, as many believed that it was a cesspool of corruption, and it drew away from its original mandate to reverse the injustices of the past. An official from one of the progressive parties likened forming an alliance with the outgoing government to embracing a saguaro cactus and trusting not to get pricked.

Extensive bargaining took place among progressive political parties as they aimed to wrap up coalition negotiations, swear in lawmakers, and elect the president within a maximum of 14 days after the election outcome was announced.

As if guided by the spirit of the forefathers of the struggle for liberation, progressive political parties endeavoured to unite and establish a coalition. With sufficient numbers to constitute a coalition government, they managed to reach a consensus after a week of negotiations. The negotiations were largely harmonious, as the progressive parties' policies shared similar objectives: rectifying past injustices and ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens.

Mantoa emerged with a parliamentary seat, surpassing her own hopes and expectations as a newcomer, independent, female candidate in a society fixated on patriarchy and wary of change. She was part of the coalition discussion and subsequent agreements that led to the establishment of the progressive coalition government. She was determined and ready to serve in the coalition government and to improve the lives of the peasants and common people who voted for her.

The rejoicing of progressive parties for finally reaching consensus on how they were going to join hands and govern the country as a coalition was brief when the moment came to address the crucial issue, the next item on the agenda: "Who will be the coalition's nominee for president of the country?". Three parties in the newly established coalition had a higher but equal number of seats, making it challenging for any party to claim rightfulness for the presidential position. All coalition member parties were aware that having their party leader elected and serving as the commander in chief for the next five years would be beneficial for them in the constituency during the subsequent elections in five years. They had to finalise their decision on the presidential nominee before the first parliament session in just two days. An adjournment was proposed considering the time, as it was already late in the evening. It was agreed that the meeting would resume the next day, the eve of the first sitting of parliament.

The adjournment afforded each participating party the time to deliberate on how they were going to tackle the next and final item on the agenda when the meeting resumes.

It was the next day when the public broadcaster announced that they had been invited by the progressive coalition to broadcast live the day's proceedings. This move was to afford the nation transparency at the crucial meeting where a supremely important decision has to be made on the national presidential incumbency. This was a way for the progressive parties to show the nation how transparent the coalition government was intending to be: as the old saying goes, "Nothing changes if nothing changes."

That day held significance, not only for those who participated in the recent national elections but for all citizens of the republic. People were glued to their TVs and radios as if the national soccer team were participating in a Soccer World Cup final. But this day held far greater importance. It marked a crucial juncture in the struggle for the economic emancipation of the previously disadvantaged.

While the past few days have been sombre, that day was particularly significant. It was as if the country was on the verge of a monumental shift, poised to embrace a new beginning. Some called it the calm before the storm.

Bookshelf

When you let go, you live intuitively. You are no longer tied to things having to be a specific way, to being a certain person, or to always being correct, therefore everything flows. How nice it is. Ironically, when you feel stuck in any aspect of your life - be it relationships, work, finances, or health - you feel trapped. letting go can seem impossible - You cling on for dear life just when you need to take the leap.

John Purkiss

This poetry book is filled with all things sunshine without ignoring the storms. Pain is real. Anxiety is real. Depression is real. Hardships in life are real. I hope when you pick up this book you feel heard and comforted. Even if it doesn't seem like it right now, your sun will rise once again.

Jennae Cecelia

Chameleon Aura combines personal anecdotes with insightful advice in a collection of poems centered around the common emotions of love and grief.

Billy Chapata

In this radical critique of established pre-colonial and colonial history, Mellet centers on land dispossession, the destruction of livelihoods, and the brutality of slavery in South Africa. Drawing on scholarly work and his own experience of searching for identity, Mellet provides a bold new perspective on the loss of land and belonging. Characters such as Autshumao, Krotoa and Doman come to life in the story of the founding of a port at Cape Town over 50 years before Jan van Riebeeck arrived.

Patric Mellet

Changing the world starts with making your bed. This book is meant to motivate your children and grandchildren to be all that they can be. It's superb, astute, and succinct.

Admiral William H. McRaven

An intriguing anthology that explores the rich fabric of Southern African tradition and culture. Readers will find a wealth of historical narratives presented in the oral storytelling style within its pages, providing insights into the experiences, customs, and beliefs of the region's diverse peoples.
Every tale offers a window into the rich tapestry of Southern African life, from the myths of great warriors to the counsel of ancestors. This collection honors the timeless value of storytelling and extends an invitation to discover Southern Africa's enduring legacy via the craft of narrative.

Stephen Apolima

This compilation showcases 34 potent narratives crafted by the finest emerging and award-winning African writers, offering readers both enlightenment and enjoyment. Furthermore, the anthology includes nine new stories that delve into the enduring struggles stemming from colonialism's legacy, nations ravaged by civil war, and the escalating AIDS crisis.

Nadezda Obradovic

Virago presents an updated collection of Maya Angelou's works of poetry, collected together for the first time. From her reflections on African American life and hardship in Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water 'fore I Diiie to her revolutionary celebrations of womanhood in Phenomenal Woman and Still I Rise, and her elegant tributes to dignitaries Bill Clinton and Nelson Mandela (On the Pulse of Morning and His Day Is Done, respectively), every inspiring word of Maya Angelou's poetry is included in the pages of this volume.

Maya Angelou

This collection honors the ageless practice of oral storytelling, which has been handed down through the ages and is infused with ancient wisdom. Readers will travel through the heartlands of West Africa in this anthology, where ancient spirits roam and heroes rise to fulfill their destiny. From the vibrant marketplaces of Nigeria to the verdant forests of Ghana, each tale provides a window into the rich cultural legacy and shared imagination of the area while imparting invaluable moral lessons for day-to-day existence.

Stephen Apolima

"During the South African Boer war an American Colonel John Blake falls in love with a Boer woman and fights for the country and her cause."
Side story: - The current Boer leader adopts Khotso, an orphaned African boy, and raises him to be the only person he can rely on to bury the Kruger Millions.

Danzel Fegen

Comments


Enjoyed reading Love is blind
Oct 11, 2024

On Love is blind, Layla should have left Raymond immediately after the first incident. Or maybe Raymond used muthi 😃

My go to nook for quick reads
Oct 07, 2024

Interesting reads. I enjoy the games as well

Hello i wrote about price
Sep 28, 2024

Zdravo, htio sam znati vašu cijenu.

Love in the skies
Sep 25, 2024

Cheating Koutney, she cheated to her demies. Lessons to be learned. If only she remained loyal to her husband.

Hallo i writing about the p
Sep 16, 2024

Hola, quería saber tu precio..

Love is blind
Sep 11, 2024

Rayray is a savage.

Love triangle
Sep 09, 2024

I enjoyed Love In The Skies. ... I can relate :(

The Republic - Part 2 ???
Aug 24, 2024

Mzizi wa Kenya

Love is blind indeed
Aug 11, 2024

Is it fear, love or stockholm syndrome

Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body. The more you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, The more places you will go.

Happy
New Year
Ethiopia
The Ethiopian New Year is celebrated. on September 11th, except in leap years of the Ethiopian calendar, when it is observed on September 12th.

What To Read Next?

An African Tale: Khotso

"During the South African Boer war an American Colonel John Blake falls in love with a Boer woman and fights for the country and her cause."
Side story: - The current Boer leader adopts Khotso, an orphaned African boy, and raises him to be the only person he can rely on to bury the Kruger Millions.

Danzel Fegen

No Future Without Forgiveness

"Ubuntu is very difficult to render into a Western language. It speaks of the very essence of being human. When we want to give high praise to someone we say, "Yu, u nobuntu"; "Hey, so-and-so has ubuntu." Then you are generous, you are hospitable, you are friendly and caring and compassionate. You share what you have. It is to say, "My humanity is caught up, is inextricably bound up, in yours." We belong in a bundle of life. We say, "A person is a person through other persons." It is not, "I think therefore I am." It says rather: "I am human because I belong. I participate, I share." A person with ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, for he or she has a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole and is diminished when others are humiliated or diminished, when others are tortured or oppressed, or treated as if they were less than who they are."

Desmond Tutu

The Zulus of New York

This powerful novel is based on the actual history of 'Farini's Friendly Zulus', men who were brought to Britain and then to America as entertainment. The story starts in 1885 with the main character, Em-Pee, in cold New York, disliking the exaggerated 'savage' performance of 'The Wild Zulu', which is very different from his own true history, not well understood in this foreign land: 'His Zulu colleagues call him Mpi, which has become Em-Pee to the English-speakers.' His real name is not the only thing lost in this distant foreign country, and he is viewed as nothing more than a sideshow act, although at least he is not kept in a cage like the beautiful Dinka Princess, owned by Monsieur Duval, the owner of Duval Ethnological Expositions. And so begins one of Zakes Mda's most powerful stories, a short novel but one that delivers a strong message and will evoke intense emotions in its portrayal of real injustices and indignities while also celebrating the strength and creativity of the human spirit and the transformative power of love.

Zakes Mda

Africa Risen: A New Era of Speculative Fiction

Immerse yourself in a unique anthology of fantasy and science fiction stories from Africa and the African Diaspora, handpicked by Sheree Renee Thomas, Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki, and Zelda Knight.

Sheree Renee Thomas, Oghenecho

Kingdom of Dahomey: A Brief Overview from Beginning to the End

The Kingdom of Dahomey, a West African kingdom that ruled for more than 300 years. It's the land of cannibalism, voodoo, brutal kings, beauty, and cruelty. This incredible story is unknown to many of us.

History Encounters
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Today's a great day to change a life. Starting with yours.

Robin Sharma
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