Puleng Khumalo…
what did you find?
Puleng?
Did you hear what I just said?
Yes.
Does this mean that we--
We don't know that yet.
We don't exactly have proof.
There's only one way to find out. What's the guy's number?
Um…
-You're calling him now? -Why wait?
-Well, what are you gonna say? -I don't know.
I'll say what I say when I'm saying it.
It's ringing.
Hello?
Hi. Is this Tendai?
It depends. Who's asking.
Um, I got your number from, uh, one of your clients.
Um, you come highly recommended.
Listen, could you, um, assist me in a paternity matter?
Mm-hmm.
Oh, there she is.
What is going on, Puleng?
This has got to stop.
-Ma, what are you doing? -Are you using?
-Using what? -Drugs?
Puleng, we want to help you.
Can you guys just leave my room? It's really late to deal with this now.
Honestly.
You're disappearing randomly on a school night, Puleng.
Then there's the restraining order, your general bad behavior at school.
You can't be trusted.
-You don't spend time with your brother. -Oh my God!
If you haven't noticed, there's a lot of unusual shit happening because of you.
So please, spare me the lecture.
You're hardly the one to be talking about trust.
You speak to me like that again…
Okay. It's okay, Thande.
Let's deal with this in the morning.
She'll be fine.
We just need to get her back on her treatment.
We've tried to reach out to your dad.
In the meantime, I suggest you come with us
until we can sort out a guardian of sorts.
Yeah, um, good luck with finding my dad.
Listen, don't worry. I'm old enough to look after myself.
In the meantime, can we, um…
can we sort out the first payment?
Sorry, we don't take cash.
You need to arrange a debit order with accounts as soon as possible.
Your own mother.
You little witch. After everything I've done for you.
You will burn in hell for this.
Let me go!
We'll be in touch.
What the hell? Get your ass to school.
Do you want the sun to shine up your ass?
-I'm taking the week off. -I'll pretend that I didn't hear that.
Get up!
Up! What the hell?
Who did this to you?
Well, I just hope the other guy looks worse.
Matla, I'm not in the mood.
Let me guess. Puleng.
Time to end that shit, son.
Don't be a tick. Be a mosquito. Bite here, bite there.
Avoid the children who have the love fever.
Have you spoken to Puleng about the fight?
Um…
We're not on talking terms at the moment.
And your mom? What did she say about it?
I mean, it must be really awks being the principal's son in this situation.
Yeah, um, a written warning.
Said she'll expel me if she has to.
Ooh. Wade, such a bad boy.
Well, I guess you just better be careful, then.
Mm. I'm gonna see you later.
See you later.
After Sunday's mass drugging disaster, I can't believe we've allowed ourselves
to be coerced into auctioning off people of color.
History repeats itself.
What do you mean, "disaster"? It was highly profitable.
It was highly illegal.
Okay, I disagree.
-Yeah, there's no proof of that. -Because everyone ate the proof.
Guys, please, can we move on?
Nevertheless, the least we can do
to keep this flogging of Black flesh classy,
I'm thinking prep school chic.
I'm thinking tweed with a dash of--
Boring. What the hell is prep school chic?
Let me guess, Chris.
You wanna see girls in bikinis and guys shirtless in Speedos.
-Wow, so original. -Why not?
It… it's a crowd favorite.
Okay, let's vote, then. If you like prep school chic, please raise your hand.
Wow, congratulations.
This porno auction thing.
Okay, let's move on to the other entertainment of the night.
We're thinking of asking KB to perform.
Is…
Hi, guys. Uh, Reece?
Principal Daniels would like to see you immediately.
Wade.
Wade, I need to tell you something. It's important.
No, thanks. I don't want to hear it.
Do you know how much that internship meant to Tahira?
Everything. You're not even interested in law.
-Where do you draw the line? -I know.
I'm sorry. It's just-- There was no other way--
Hmm.
Never mind.
Yeah, never mind.
Come in.
The code of conduct is clear.
Any student caught selling, using, or buying narcotics
will be summarily expelled.
End of story.
Zero tolerance.
Exactly.
Do you know why you're here?
We need your help.
Someone is selling narcotics at the school, and we need to find them.
According to Mr. Ferreira, with your history,
you can pick up on things that we can't.
And you're in with all the right crowds.
So you want me to lead you to the dealer?
In an ideal world, yes.
But just report any suspicious behavior, and we can take it from there.
Can you do that for us?
It will be an honor, ma'am.
Great. You can start immediately.
One more thing.
Usually, I oversee all the details of the Matric Dance Committee,
but this year, with the current drug scourge,
Mr. Ferreira has kindly offered to take my place.
As treasurer, you'll report to me.
I'll have sign-off on all the expenditure.
I'll manage the bank accounts.
I see.
-How long are you gonna keep avoiding me? -I don't know.
Maybe until I can see with both eyes again.
Let me see.
You didn't have to fight with him, KB.
I was supposed to be a trash boyfriend? Let him come after you?
All right. Bet.
I didn't need saving, KB.
I can handle Wade.
Yeah, sure.
Must be so nice handling two men at the same time.
What is that supposed to mean?
Wait.
Do you think I'm cheating on you? With Wade?
Are you insane?
Stop it, Puleng.
You stay disappearing with this guy.
And don't give me that "we're just friends" bullshit.
-Fucking gaslighting me. -Gas-what… What does that even mean?
What do you think it means?
You know what? Fuck this shit. I'm over it.
You're over what? KB, what's gotten into you?
What are you over?
KB, come back here!
KB.
Yo, I don't wanna talk about it, Tahira.
-Your boyfriend sucker punched me. -Oh. To be fair, you did murder Spiyoyo.
But it's not about that. We need help with the next fundraiser.
Can you perform your song as part of the entertainment?
No. Look, I-- I'm not in the right headspace, Tahira. Sorry.
Oh, come on. It would mean a lot to the students.
They would kill to see you do it live.
Okay, yeah, I'll… I'll perform.
Okay, awesome. Thanks, KB.
-Uh, we'll check dates later, yeah? -Yeah.
Who the fuck is Riyadh?
I'm happy to finally see you here.
As much as I love sitting in silence, we can't exactly do it forever.
We can try.
Listen, Puleng, anything you say stays between us.
I promise.
Okay, let's start with the basics.
-Tell me about your parents.
How are things with your mother?
Fine.
Really?
Things get tense between mothers and their daughters,
especially at your age.
-So, if you need to vent, I'm always here. -Can I please go now?
No.
The session isn't over.
But we can take a break.
Cool. Um, where's the closest bathroom?
Out the door, to your left. You can't miss it.
Miss van Rensburg?
Why didn't you rat me out?
-You want a cut. -Bravo.
-Okay, so? -What's my silence worth?
Listen, I'm not some kind of drug kingpin.
How does 10K a month sound?
Fifteen sounds better.
Fine.
How are you cleaning it, by the way?
You're not? That's what I thought.
All right. I have a couple of ideas.
-Let's chat soon, okay? -Okay.
Really?
I don't have much on me right now.
No worries. Let's just call it a pro rata rate.
And? How's Puleng doing?
I just finished with her. Come… come in.
I'm afraid Puleng might be struggling with addiction.
-What? -We need to act. Fast.
That's disappointing.
I've really had high hopes for that one.
Such great potential.
But she's been nothing but trouble ever since she arrived.
So, what do you recommend?
Puleng?
Hand over your bag.
Uh, excuse me, ma'am. Why?
We have to search it.
For what? You can't do that.
By signing the code of conduct,
you've agreed to random searches and drug testing
in the quelling of narcotics at this school.
She is getting raided, guys.
The cops.
This is hectic.
Ma'am, that's not mine. I don't know how that got in there.
Puleng, everything will be fine as long as you cooperate.
Yes, let's… let's do a drug test. I promise it will come out negative.
You'll handle this?
Of course.
Hey.
Okay. Let's go.
This is ridiculous.
Thank you. Yes, it is.
But I'm sure everything will be fine when it comes back negative.
So don't worry.
I'm doing my job.
Um, could I please be excused? I have a prior engagement to get to.
I guess you can, for now.
Thank you.
Hey.
Um, yeah, so far, so good.
Mm, but I will need your help with the drug test though.
-I'm looking for Riyadh. -Oh, KB?
Yes.
Jeez.
I heard.
-KB, I need it.
YoungstaCPT.
Bro, I'm a huge fan, dawg.
Nice to meet you.
-Nice to meet you. -Yes, indeed, Captain.
Look, I'm looking for Riyadh.
He is I, and I am him, babe.
No fucking way.
-One and the same. -Oh yeah? Shit.
Okay, and how the hell do you owe Zhero a favor?
…some things are better left unsaid, you know what I mean?
So what brings you to my neck of the woods?
Hey, man, look, I need a finished track by tomorrow night.
Nothing serious, man. I'm just performing at a school event.
-School event? -Yeah.
School eve-- Wait, wait, don't tell me. Parkhurst High.
-Yeah, that's the one. -The infamous. I heard about that.
-We can finish most of it today. -Okay.
-Come through and spit. -Thank you.
Nice pinkie ring you've got.
-It's nice. -Yeah?
I'll tell you what. I'll do the song for the pinkie ring.
I'm serious. I want the pinkie ring.
Tendai?
Puleng. You're late.
Yeah, sorry about that. We had a few issues on the way here.
What can I do for you two?
Uh, a few weeks ago, a DNA test was submitted.
We believe that it crossed your desk.
Um, we feel that there was a mistake in the processing of the results.
We wanted to know if you could maybe double-check the results.
A mistake that you want me to double-check?
Yes.
Okay. 5K.
-What? -To double-check, it costs 5K.
We don't have 5,000 rand.
Well, tough luck.
Okay.
5K. I can have it by tomorrow.
She speaks.
Baby.
Okay, ladies, 5K by tomorrow.
Text me the details of the DNA test. Names and shit.
I'll look it up, see if it crossed my desk.
In the meantime, I'll drop you the location pin and time to meet.
Don't be late with my fucking money.
If you say it again, I'm gonna slap you.
Fine, I won't say I told you so.
What are you gonna do about it? It's a lot of money to clean all at once.
Oh, no shit, Sherlock.
Trying to wrap my head around it.
Anyhoo, if we can just get our cut, we'll be on our merry way.
Just take it.
Well, pleasure doing business with you, and we'll see you tomorrow.
Drugs, Puleng?
Dad, they weren't mine. I--
I hope and pray that is true and that the drug test comes back negative.
If it doesn't, we are admitting you to rehab with immediate effect.
-Dad-- -Listen.
We'll be doing it out of love, to save you from yourself.
Now go to your room!
Okay, so I only managed to get 3,200. How much did you get?
Um, fuck. I think I got, like, three hundred and some change.
There's still some time. I'll figure it out.
Cool. I'll see you later. Just let me know where you wanna meet.
Guys, please, don't get this wrong.
Okay, we do this right, it gets us over the line financially.
Cool?
Oh, Fiks, very important.
Okay, you're the… you're the big-ticket item.
I'm talking grand finale.
People are gonna pay top dollar for a date with you.
So don't hold back on that outfit, okay?
What do I always say, guys? Less is…
More.
Less is more. Let's do this for Parkhurst.
I'll see you guys tonight at the venue. Thank you.
How do you manage with this human?
He's an acquired taste, but, um, give him a chance.
He'll grow on you.
I doubt it.
We tested Puleng and found a drug in her system called MDMA.
At least we now have an answer.
So, what now? More counseling?
Well, that's one part of the solution, but Puleng must go to rehab
as soon as possible.
I can make a few calls and refer you to a good one.
While Puleng's well-being is our priority…
I have to point out that this is an expellable offense.
Once the dust settles,
Puleng may be compelled to leave Parkhurst.
I cannot believe the mess that you've put us in.
Drugs, Puleng?
I am talking to you!
Can you take those earphones out?
Talk to your daughter.
Puleng, your mother is talking to you.
I knew this school was a bad idea.
Yeah, well, thousands of rands later…
What do you mean? You're the reason she had to move.
-Move? -You're the reason she had to move…
Why are you not packing your bags?
Mom, this is crazy. I'm not on drugs.
I'm not going.
You don't have a choice.
Puleng, this is for your own good.
Someone will be here to pick you up soon, so please,
pack a bag, or I will.
Siya?
You're stealing my savings. Put that back.
So you are on drugs.
This is not like you, P.
Siya…
I'm sorry. It's not what it looks like. You have to trust me.
Said every drug addict ever.
-No, Siya-- -Ma!
Puleng, are your bags packed? Do not make me come over there!
-Hi, I'm Thandeka, Puleng's mother. -Nice to meet you.
-Ma! -Siya, we're busy talking.
-Puleng tried to steal my life savings. -What?
Why would she do that?
Puleng? Puleng, open the door!
Puleng!
Puleng. Damn it, man!
-Got it? -Yeah.
Okay, cool. You need to go. You're on first.
Not bad, right?
The night is still young.
We'll see.
Okay, that is everything. I'm off.
And don't forget the Ball Committee account details.
That, for all intents and purposes,
will be the washing machine for our dirty laundry.
I'll text it to you now.
Obrigado.
Listen, when will I have access to my new, clean money?
I have bills to pay.
If I manage to pass most of this off as income from the auction,
I'm thinking a week tops, maybe two.
Okay, great.
See you in class tomorrow.
Great.
-Relax. -This doesn't feel right, Puleng.
I mean, we don't even have the full 5K.
When has any of this ever felt right?
Okay, that's a sign. Let's just go.
Ah, ladies.
You're late once again.
Come inside.
-Hi.
Take a seat.
So, the money?
Count it.
One, two, three,
four, five, six, seven,
eight, nine, ten…
Let's put our hands together for KB, everybody.
That's it. Let's hear it. Let's hear it.
Ladies and gentlemen, this is what we, in the business, call prime stock.
Just drink him in, ladies, drink him in.
We're gonna start the bidding off at 1,000 rand. Can I get 1,000?
One thousand rand. Can I get a one five?
-One thousand five hundred. -One five, now two. Can I get a two--
-Two thousand! -Two thou-- Wow, that was quick.
-Okay. Can I get a two and a half? -Two thousand five hundred!
-Two thousand five hundred. -Three thousand!
-Three thousand. -Three thousand five hundred.
Whoa! Girls, girls, girls! Whoa, whoa!
Hey, ladies. Whoa, whoa, take it easy. Guys.
There's enough of KB to go around. Let's take it easy, please?
Let's get back to the bidding. We're on three and a half.
Three and a half. Now four. Can I get a four?
4,732.
Well, that, ladies,
is not 5K.
Are we gonna fuss over 268 rand?
Okay.
You can have my phone. That should cover the rest of the money.
Puleng, let's just go.
Don't be in such a hurry.
Perhaps there's another deal to be made.
Look…
the answer to what you're looking for is on this piece of paper.
What do you want?
I'm glad you asked.
I want
the two of you to decide
which one of you is gonna take one for the team.
Oh my God.
Now who's it gonna be?
I've been everywhere, called everyone.
Nothing.
The police are on their way.
We can't lose another daughter.
We won't.
Let's just go. There has to be another way.
The clock is ticking, ladies.
I'll handle this. Trust me.
I'll do it.
Oh, good.
Let's just get this over and done with.
Yes, baby.
Oh fuck! Fuck!
-Let's go!
Fuck!
Ladies and gentlemen,
kindly put your hands together for Chris Ackerman.
Okay, we'll start the bid at 1,000. Anyone for 1,000?
-1,500. -1,500. 1,500, anyone?
-1,500. -1,500.
-2,000. -2,000. Jeez! Anyone? Any higher?
Okay! Um…
-2,500. -2,500. Oh, okay.
3,000, anyone? 3,000.
Hey.
3,000.
Have you seen Fiks?
How did the green pills I gave you end up planted on Puleng?
I have no idea. How do you know it's the ones you gave me?
Okay, lady in the yellow.
'Cause they were brand-new samples, and you were the only one I gave them to.
Why Puleng?
I don't know who could have done that.
I have no idea what happened to those pills.
Sold to the lady over there!
Well, we need answers, okay? Trust me.
You don't wanna make an enemy out of Puleng.
That bitch is crazy.
I think I'm gonna call a Uber now.
Wait.
I'd like to read the results first.
Is that okay?
Okay.
You ready?
It's you.
Oh my God.
Fikile, it's you.
You're Phume.
Um…
Can we just take a moment, please?
Okay. Mm.
You're right.
It's not over yet.
Hey, I think you should come home with me.
You can meet our parents, and maybe you can meet--
Look.
I know we should be going crazy and telling the whole world what's happening,
but can we wait, please?
I just… I just really need to process.
-Do you mind if I… -No, sure.
Okay.
Next up, we have our delightful cheer captain, Gabby!
-Hey. -The beautiful Gabby, everyone.
Wow. Okay, let's start the bidding at 250 rand.
Can I get 250? 200--
250 there. Now 300. We've got 250, now 300, now three.
300, now 350…
Hey. I'm sorry for the disappearing act.
If you guys could just meet me at the auction lobby, please,
I'd really appreciate it.
Consider this our last meeting about finding Phume.
It's done.
Four, can I get a four, four? Anyone, four? 400, let's go. 450…
I have to go to the bathroom quickly. Be in and out.
Okay.
And sold for 600 rand.
Well done, Gabby.
-Hey. -Friend, what the hell is going on?
I just got a message from your mom saying you're on drugs and you ran away.
Yeah, what's going on? Please don't drag me into any more shit.
Please?
Fiks and I met with someone who confirmed that we're sisters.
Yeah, he basically confessed to tampering with the DNA test results.
So no more sneaking around.
Fikile Bhele is Phumelele Khumalo.
She's my sister.
I just thought I'd let you two know first.
Oh my gosh, friend, your life.
I can't deal.
Did you go to the police already?
I can't.
Fiks asked for some time to process, you know, before I spill the beans.
I owe her that at least, you know?
I've put her through a lot.
You should maybe go home and tell your parents.
It's more complicated than that, Wade. They think I'm on drugs.
Yeah, what is that about?
…the highlight of the evening, presenting KB…
Oh, do you hear that?
Your boyfriend's about to perform his song.
Should we go?
Okay, so I'm not gonna perform "I Need You" tonight.
Hold up. Hold up, all right? I got something new for you.
This goes out to everybody that's been played.
Yo, DJ, please drop the beat.
-Let's go, let's go.
Tahira, wait!
Why? So you can lie to me again?
KB's talking nonsense! The love triangle only exists in his head.
He's gone mad.
I like you, Tahira.
A lot.
I know.
But you just also like Puleng.
We're done, Wade. I can't do this.
Fiks, hey. Has anyone seen Fiks?
Come on, guys. She's up next. Please, anyone.
Hi. It's Fiks. Don't leave a message.
Fuck.
Wait until he finds out you guys are sisters.
Boy, will that song slap differently.
Sorry, friend. Too soon?
He accuses me of cheating
and then goes behind my back and kisses Fiks.
That's men for you.
They want their women chained to they side
while they go around sticking they tongues down anything with boobs.
In my case, balls.
Fuck.
Ah, ah, ah. Come, let's take you home.
Hey, what's up?
You okay?
I don't even know how to say it.
I'll make sense of it.
I promise.
Mm…
Puleng and I are…
Puleng and I are sisters.
What?
I found out today.
Puleng's older sister, Phumelele Khumalo,
was abducted 17 years ago, and…
you're looking at her.
My mom and dad hid it from me my entire life.
And even sabotaged mine and Puleng's investigation.
Sabotaged?
Yup.
Look, we need to go.
I'll take you home. I'll explain later, okay?
Okay.
I just need to sort something out at home.
Make sure that everyone on the committee knows what they're doing. And--
Wendy?
Wendy.
We'll finish later.
-Did you find her? -No.
Oh shit.
Just when things were going well. We need to improvise.
Can't just pull a random person.
-What about you?
What? No!
Come on, Wendy. Just take one for the team.
Most of the committee already put themselves out there.
The team needs you.
Right, so next up, another highlight for the night,
we have the lovely Wendy Dlamini, everyone.
-Yeah, let's hear it.
-The lovely Wendy. -Go, bestie!
There we go. There we go.
Right, we're gonna start the bidding off at 500 rand.
500 rand. Can I get 500, anyone?
Anyone for 500? 500 rand, people.
500 rand now for the lovely Wendy Dlamini.
500 rand, anyone? 500 ran--
I'm gonna start the bidding off myself, then.
500 rand. 500 rand for me.
500. Let's go. 500, now six. We've got 500, now six?
Can I get six? 500, now six.
Six hundred rand for the lovely Wendy.
600 rand, anyone?
-600 rand. -Fifty cents.
Stop.
500. We've got 500 rand…
And sold to me for 500 rand.
Congratulations.
Hey.
Tough crowd, eh?
Wendy, you can go home. I'll wrap it up.
No, it's fine.
Sorry about tonight.
I shouldn't have laid it all on you.
-It's Fiks' fault. -I don't need pity.
Just… I just need to face the facts.
What do you mean?
The facts are Wendy Dlamini is not date material.
It's not the end of the world. I don't care. I've got other strengths.
Exactly.
This is… this is just high school.
No, Wendy Dlamini is meant for greater things.
Um, in other news, we met our target.
Congratulations.
That's… that's great.
Can I please be left alone for a bit, please?
Thank you. Please keep us posted.
Bye-bye.
She was spotted at the school fundraiser.
-Thank goodness. -So, is she alive, Baba?
Yes, my boy. You don't have to worry.
Everyone is working very hard to find her.
What is wrong with you?
-Where were you? -Where's my money?
Can everyone please just calm down?
I'm not on drugs.
You're telling us to calm down?
Puleng, you stole your brother's money.
You ran away from home, and you're telling us you're not on drugs?
You need help.
These people are here to help you. Take her away.
Uh, Mom, but I can explain.
-Let go of us! -Leave me. Mom, I can explain! Just--
Just cooperate. Just cooperate.
Phume's alive, okay! Phume's alive!
Hold on. Wait, what?
Phume,
she's alive.
She goes by the name of Fikile Bhele.
These are the DNA results.
I have all the evidence in my journal.
Is it true?
What is?
Proof I'm not your real daughter?
Calm down, Bhelekazi.
Don't call me that. Is it true or not?
Yes, it is.
Puleng was right this entire time.
I didn't give birth to you.
I am still your mother.
Excuse me, Sam!
You can't be messing around on my computer.
I'm not your age-mate.
What's going on?
Are you involved in this Fiks and Puleng mess?
No idea what you're talking about. Don't raise your voice.
I don't care!
Are you helping the people that kidnapped Fiks when she was a kid?
My mother!
You kidnapped me!
You're my kidnapper! You kidnapped me!
Don't touch me!
-Please. Please listen to me.
Just give me a chance.
Please.
Tell me what's going on, Ma.
Why are you planting the drugs you found on me in Puleng's bag?
That's nonsense.
I don't know where she got those drugs.
So where are the drugs you found in my pocket?
I disposed of them for your protection.
No, you didn't.
Yes, it is true.
I adopted you.
And I have all the documentation upstairs to prove it.
You have to believe me, my baby.
Ma, those drugs that were found on Puleng, they're brand-new samples.
They're the only ones in circulation!
What are you up to?
Sam, you don't know those people.
Who?
Who, Ma?
I'm still the same woman who loves you
more than anything in this world.
The same woman who loves you more than life itself.
I would never do anything to hurt you, Bhelekazi.
What do you think happened to that woman that you went to visit in prison?
How do you know about that? What happened to her?
Whatever. I don't care.
-I'm going to the police. Try and stop me! -Sam! She's dead!
They killed her
in her cell while she was sleeping.
All because she opened her mouth to Fikile.
This is not a child's game, Sam.
People are dying.
My only regret
is that I didn't tell you the truth.
But my life has no meaning without you, my baby.
You have to believe me.
Hi. I'm home.
Uh…
Please, Bhelekazi.
Please, Bhelekazi, I beg you.
Don't ask your father.
He knows nothing about this.