1987
Afrikaaner teacher Ben Du Toit seeks justice after his gardener's son and then the gardener himself die in police custody in apartheid South Africa, facing community backlash and official obstruction. Despite an inquest ruling Gordon's death a suicide, Ben's resolve to expose the truth intensifies amid escalating harassment, including threats to his family and the bombing of his home. Ben compiles crucial evidence, including an autopsy report and affidavit, entrusting an envelope to his daughter Suzette for delivery to police officials. Ben is deliberately killed by Captain Stolz's car, but the delivered envelope contains a decoy, as the real evidence has been sent to the international press, ensuring the truth's revelation.
Save the Cat beat sheet
A liberal schoolteacher, Ben Du Toit, is drawn into the fight against apartheid after his Black friend’s son is beaten and dies in custody.
Open full beat sheetBen Du Toit is listed as Protagonist. A 50-year-old Afrikaaner history teacher who becomes involved in the search for justice for his gardener's son. In the parsed data, Ben Du Toit is connected to 85 scenes, 95 dialogue lines, 96 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.
85 scenes / 95 dialogue linesStanley Makhaya is listed as Supporting. A black taxi driver and friend of Gordon who assists Ben in his investigation. In the parsed data, Stanley Makhaya is connected to 28 scenes, 33 dialogue lines, 33 text mentions, first appearing around scene 16.
28 scenes / 33 dialogue linesCaptain Stolz is listed as Antagonist. A brutal Security Police officer at John Vorster Square. In the parsed data, Captain Stolz is connected to 18 scenes, 9 dialogue lines, 9 text mentions, first appearing around scene 18.
18 scenes / 9 dialogue linesSusan Du Toit is listed as Supporting. Ben's wife, who is concerned with maintaining their social standing and safety. In the parsed data, Susan Du Toit is connected to 18 scenes, 7 dialogue lines, 7 text mentions, first appearing around scene 17.
18 scenes / 7 dialogue linesJohan Du Toit is listed as Supporting. Ben and Susan's 15-year-old son. In the parsed data, Johan Du Toit is connected to 18 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.
18 scenes / 2 dialogue linesGordon Ngubene is listed as Supporting. A 47-year-old African laborer and gardener for Ben Du Toit. In the parsed data, Gordon Ngubene is connected to 14 scenes, 14 dialogue lines, 16 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.
14 scenes / 14 dialogue linesEmily Ngubene is listed as Supporting. Gordon's wife. In the parsed data, Emily Ngubene is connected to 14 scenes, 8 dialogue lines, 8 text mentions, first appearing around scene 14.
14 scenes / 8 dialogue linesMelanie Bruwer is listed as Supporting. A journalist for the Rand Daily Mail who helps Ben. In the parsed data, Melanie Bruwer is connected to 12 scenes, 28 dialogue lines, 29 text mentions, first appearing around scene 46.
12 scenes / 28 dialogue linesSuzette is listed as Supporting. Ben and Susan's daughter. In the parsed data, Suzette is connected to 9 scenes, 10 dialogue lines, 12 text mentions, first appearing around scene 17.
9 scenes / 10 dialogue linesColonel Viljoen is listed as Antagonist. A high-ranking police officer who oversees the interrogation and cover-up. In the parsed data, Colonel Viljoen is connected to 8 scenes, 5 dialogue lines, 5 text mentions, first appearing around scene 12.
8 scenes / 5 dialogue linesJonathan Ngubene is listed as Supporting. Gordon's 15-year-old son who is arrested and dies in police custody. In the parsed data, Jonathan Ngubene is connected to 5 scenes, first appearing around scene 1.
5 scenes / 0 dialogue lineschar_13 is identified from the parsed character and dialogue data. In the parsed data, char_13 is connected to 2 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 58.
2 scenes / 1 dialogue linesJulius Nqakula is listed as Supporting. A black lawyer who assists the Ngubene family. In the parsed data, Julius Nqakula is connected to 2 scenes, first appearing around scene 8.
2 scenes / 0 dialogue linesBen Du Toit watches his son Johan win a race while Gordon Ngubene and his son Jonathan work in the school garden.
Ben Du Toit, Gordon Ngubene, Jonathan Ngubene, Johan Du ToitYouths protest at a beer hall, leading to a police raid and the arrest of Jonathan and Wellington.
Jonathan NgubeneJonathan is processed at the police station by Captain Stolz.
Jonathan Ngubene, Captain StolzThe Du Toit family leaves church; Ben agrees to help a worried Mrs. Coetzee with her son.
Ben Du Toit, Susan Du Toit, Johan Du Toit, SuzetteGordon and Jonathan arrive at Ben's house to show him the injuries from Jonathan's police caning.
Ben Du Toit, Gordon Ngubene, Jonathan Ngubene, Susan Du Toit, Johan Du ToitStudents march against Bantu education, leading to a violent police crackdown.
Jonathan NgubeneCommuters discuss the uprising and the deaths of children.
Gordon NgubeneGordon and Emily search for Jonathan among the dead.
Gordon Ngubene, Stanley Makhaya, Emily Ngubene, Julius NqakulaGordon tells Ben that Jonathan has disappeared after being arrested.
Ben Du Toit, Gordon Ngubene, Johan Du ToitBen's lawyer confirms that Jonathan died in custody.
Ben Du ToitBen and Gordon discuss Jonathan's death; Gordon insists on finding the truth despite Ben's warnings.
Ben Du Toit, Gordon NgubeneCloete watches Ben and warns him to stay out of politics.
Ben Du ToitCloete reiterates his warning to Ben about staying out of politics.
Ben Du ToitGordon returns home and Emily realizes something is wrong.
Gordon Ngubene, Emily NgubeneStanley and Gordon search for Wellington.
Stanley Makhaya, Gordon NgubeneGordon and Stanley meet Wellington, who confirms Jonathan is dead.
Stanley Makhaya, Gordon NgubeneThe Du Toit family discusses the newspaper article about Jonathan.
Ben Du Toit, Susan Du Toit, Johan Du Toit, SuzetteGordon reads a statement about the police brutality; police raid the house.
Gordon Ngubene, Emily Ngubene, Captain StolzBen reflects on the situation and is comforted by his son.
Ben Du Toit, Johan Du Toit, Susan Du ToitBen teaches his class while distracted by thoughts of Gordon.
Ben Du ToitEmily informs Ben that Gordon has been taken.
Ben Du Toit, Emily NgubeneBen meets Stanley.
Ben Du Toit, Stanley Makhaya, Emily NgubeneGordon is tortured by Stolz and Venter.
Gordon Ngubene, Captain StolzBen arrives at John Vorster Square to inquire about Gordon.
Ben Du ToitBen meets Colonel Viljoen to discuss Gordon's case.
Ben Du Toit, Colonel Viljoen, Captain StolzBen discusses his visit to the police station with Suzette.
Ben Du Toit, SuzetteBen hosts a dinner party where guests discuss the security police and Gordon's arrest.
Ben Du Toit, Susan Du Toit, SuzetteStanley arrives at Ben's house to see him.
Ben Du Toit, Susan Du Toit, Stanley MakhayaBen calls Dan Lewinson to discuss Gordon's case.
Ben Du Toit, Stanley Makhaya, Emily NgubeneCaptain Stolz and his officers torture Gordon.
Gordon Ngubene, Captain StolzStanley informs Ben that Gordon has died in custody.
Ben Du Toit, Johan Du Toit, Stanley MakhayaBen views Gordon's body at the funeral parlor.
Ben Du Toit, Stanley Makhaya, Melanie BruwerGordon's funeral turns into a political demonstration and is broken up by police.
Stanley Makhaya, Emily Ngubene, Melanie BruwerStanley and Ben drive through the outskirts of Johannesburg.
Stanley Makhaya, Ben Du ToitStanley drives aggressively into Soweto and hides Ben in the back of the car to reach Emily's house.
Stanley Makhaya, Ben Du Toit, Emily NgubeneBen meets with Emily, Stanley, and others to discuss the death of Gordon and Jonathan.
Ben Du Toit, Emily Ngubene, Stanley MakhayaBen leaves Emily's house, hiding on the floor of the car again.
Stanley Makhaya, Ben Du ToitStanley drives Ben out of Soweto, teasing him about the precautions.
Stanley Makhaya, Ben Du ToitBen and Susan discuss his changing perspective after visiting Emily.
Ben Du Toit, Susan Du ToitThe inquest begins with testimony from Dr. Jansen and Dr. Herzog.
Ben Du Toit, Stanley Makhaya, Captain Stolz, Melanie Bruwer, Colonel ViljoenCaptain Stolz testifies, claiming Gordon committed suicide.
Captain Stolz, Ben Du Toit, Stanley MakhayaArchibald Chigorimbo testifies that he was forced to sign a false statement.
Captain Stolz, Ben Du ToitBen and Dan Lewinson discuss the progress of the inquest.
Ben Du ToitEmily and Grace Nkosi testify about police brutality.
Emily Ngubene, Ben Du ToitThe Magistrate delivers the verdict, ruling Gordon's death a suicide.
Ben Du Toit, Emily Ngubene, Stanley Makhaya, Captain Stolz, Colonel ViljoenBen is besieged by reporters after the verdict.
Ben Du Toit, Emily Ngubene, Stanley Makhaya, Melanie BruwerBen and Melanie are pursued by reporters after the verdict; they escape in Melanie's car.
Ben Du Toit, Melanie BruwerMelanie and Ben drive away; they discuss Stanley and their mutual connection.
Ben Du Toit, Melanie BruwerBen meets Melanie's father, Bruwer, who is tending to his bees.
Ben Du Toit, Melanie Bruwer, char_13Ben and Melanie discuss justice and the political situation in South Africa.
Ben Du Toit, Melanie BruwerBen and Susan argue about the verdict and Ben's involvement with the Ngubene family.
Ben Du Toit, Susan Du ToitBen sits in the dark, contemplating his next steps.
Ben Du ToitBen experiences social ostracization while buying newspapers.
Ben Du ToitBen's family confronts him about a newspaper photo showing him with Emily Ngubene.
Ben Du Toit, Susan Du Toit, Johan Du Toit, SuzetteBen receives harassing phone calls.
Ben Du ToitBen debates the morality of the judicial system with Dominee Bester.
Ben Du ToitCloete confronts Ben about the photograph and his reputation.
Ben Du ToitBen visits Bruwer again to discuss philosophy and the state of the country.
Ben Du Toit, char_13Ben and his lawyer discuss filing a civil claim.
Ben Du ToitBen and Melanie discuss the path forward.
Ben Du Toit, Melanie BruwerCaptain Stolz searches Ben's house.
Ben Du Toit, Susan Du Toit, Captain StolzStolz and his men search Ben's house while Susan tries to maintain composure.
Ben Du Toit, Susan Du Toit, Captain StolzBen finds his car tires slashed.
Ben Du ToitBen and Johan construct a secret hiding place.
Ben Du Toit, Johan Du ToitSusan's parents arrive for a visit.
Susan Du Toit, Johan Du Toit, Ben Du ToitBen and his father-in-law argue about the investigation and politics.
Ben Du ToitBen meets Stanley to head to Soweto.
Ben Du Toit, Stanley MakhayaHarassers shout insults at Ben's house.
Susan Du ToitBen and Stanley drive through Soweto.
Ben Du Toit, Stanley MakhayaBen, Stanley, Emily, and Julius discuss the case.
Ben Du Toit, Stanley Makhaya, Emily Ngubene, Julius NqakulaBen hides the letters.
Ben Du Toit, Susan Du ToitBen comforts his injured son Johan.
Ben Du Toit, Susan Du Toit, Johan Du ToitShots are fired through the window.
Ben Du Toit, Susan Du Toit, Johan Du ToitBen confronts Viljoen about the harassment.
Ben Du Toit, Colonel ViljoenBen meets with a witness, Seroke.
Ben Du Toit, Stanley MakhayaBen surveys the vandalism in his study after his home was attacked.
Ben Du ToitBen and Melanie discuss their pasts and motivations while drinking coffee.
Ben Du Toit, Melanie BruwerEmily is evicted from her home by police while neighbors sing.
Captain Stolz, Emily NgubeneBen is followed by a man while walking to the shops.
Ben Du ToitBen and Stanley discuss Emily's eviction and the fate of her son Robert.
Ben Du Toit, Stanley MakhayaWe told them we had done nothing and didn't know about all the things they are asking us; on two occasion they put a wet bag over my head and I -- couldn't breathe -- I thought I was going to die. One day I heard Jonathan being beaten. He was screaming and crying, and then a noise like tables and chairs being knocked down, and Capt. Stolz shouting "you bastard, get up, do you hear me?" Ngubene, don't pretend here, get up." Then the next day I heard he had gone to hospital and I never saw him again.
Alright. I'll tell you. I was brought up in a sheltered way, not that Dad was possessive, not openly anyway. I think he'd just seen enough of the mess the world was in, to want to protect me as much as he could. Then, I went to university. I don't know what you'll think... being a teacher.
We're all made of flesh and blood, Mr. Du Toit -- we've all got our flaws. And if a man likes to sample the grass on the other side of the fence, well, that's his own business. But it would be unpleasant if people found out about it, especially if he's a teacher.
They handcuff you and manacle your feet then they put a pole between your arms and the back of your knees. Then you're like a chicken ready for the oven. They hang you between two tables. Then they do what they like with you. The S.B. call it the aeroplane.
Emily, I have really come to assure you that I will do all I can to help you find out what really happened to Jonathan and your husband -- we cannot bring them back to life, but we can make sure that this sort of thing won't ever happen again.
And living in this chaos with my eccentric father? I love him and we get on perfectly. We have been together since I was a year old. My mother could not adapt to South Africa. She went back to London and we've never heard from her since.
Because if there are facts you are deliberately hiding from us, Mr. Du Toit -- If you give us reason to believe that you may be involved in activities that may be dangerous to both yourself and us -- then I can foresee some problems.
Three bloody shots and you crawl on your hands and knees to people like Stolz, and say 'I give up.' What is the beginning for you is a version of what we suffer all our bloody life. Shit, I thought you had more guts than this, man!
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