[siren wails]
[man grunting]
[groans]
[man 2 echoing] Solomon.
[groaning]
Solomon. Solomon!
[in isiNdebele] Where are you going, gents?
And what do you have in the bag?
It's just some luggage.
[indistinct yelling]
[bailiff, in English] All rise.
Be seated.
[prosecutor] Your Lordship, the state hereby charges the accused,
Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu,
a 21-year-old male of South African birth,
residing at 2445 Block C2, Mamelodi, Pretoria,
with two counts of murder,
two counts of attempted murder,
engaging in public violence,
and violence against property.
[in isiNdebele] Young man,
the state charges you with two counts of murder,
two counts of attempted murder,
engaging in public violence
and violence against property.
[prosecutor] And lastly, but most importantly,
the act of acting together.
The act of acting together and in common purpose
in the interests of another, namely Mondy Motloung, not present here,
to perform these acts.
Thank you, my lord.
I take it you've discussed the charges with your client, Mr. Mailer?
Yes, we have, Your Lordship.
And how does he plead?
To the two counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder,
we plead not guilty.
[crowd gasps]
To the other counts...
[indistinct whispering]
...we plead not guilty.
[judge] The trial date is set for 13th of February.
Transfer the accused to the Fort Prison in Johannesburg
until the completion of the trial.
[bailiff] All rise.
[Solomon narrating] This is my family. My mother, Martha, and my brother Lucas,
a prison warder, and sometimes my father.
They always wanted the best for me
and prepared me to become a man,
a responsibility I would appreciate in-depth
during my rite of passage in the Eastern Transvaal,
when we were forcefully removed from our land and thrust into poverty.
We left my father buried in a barren scrap of land.
Together, we get by, and help each other where we can.
We were enslaved by poverty.
[teacher speaking Afrikaans]
And my education was to be my family's liberation.
[in Afrikaans] Uh... it was the 6th of April, ma'am... 1652.
[indistinct chatter]
[toilet flushes]
[in Sesotho] Dube, are you still taking a dump?
[in isiNdebele] Fuck, Mahlangu, get out of here!
[indistinct muttering]
[Solomon narrating] Miles Davis once said,
"Jazz is the big brother of revolution. Revolution follows it around."
-How are you, Solly? -I'm good. And you?
All right. You made a lot of money today. Shukr Alhamdulillah.
Make sure you always spend it in the store and Allah will bless you.
-Goodbye. -Bye.
[angry yelling]
[screaming]
[in Afrikaans] Fucking shit!
[indistinct chatter]
[in Sesotho] Ace of spades. Ace of spades. Ace of spades!
[laughing, clapping]
Old man, 2 rand a bet.
[whistles] Ace of spades.
-Mondy. -Come on, sweetie. You, over there.
If you get this one, I'll buy you a hair relaxer for your hair push-back.
-Mondy. -What?
-Why didn't you come to school? -Leave me alone, I'm hustling.
Come on, man.
Cops! Let's get out of here!
[policeman] Stop!
[excited shouting]
[Solomon narrating] Brenda Riviera.
She doesn't live in the same reality.
-She chooses to be part of this. -[in isiZulu] You guys are late.
She's smart. She's beautiful.
-Brenda, sorry. -And she's mine.
Brenda. Brenda.
[Mondy] Yo, what's the problem with your girl?
You know what?
How are you guys going to study when you're in jail?
Hey, Brenda, Mandela is in jail, right?
But he is studying.
All the people that are leading us are educated.
And look at you. You don't want to go study.
And you're wearing a school uniform. What nonsense is that?
We've got a history exam and you didn't study.
Don't tell me about his-story.
Let me tell you about our-story. Stop for a second.
Do you know what happened in 1652, when Jan van Riebeeck landed?
He flooded the entire place with Coloureds!
Then Vasco da Gama came here with his big ship and dumped all his spices on us.
Now everything we eat is too hot.
Do you know Shaka Zulu, huh? I didn't think so.
Do you know Queen Modjadji? The Rain Queen.
Huh? You didn't know her. Do you even know Hlatshwayo?
It's "Cetshwayo."
Yes, that one.
Do you know who killed King Hintsa?
Harry Smith.
Don't tell me I'm making a noise. Here's what I say, fuck these Boers!
Fuck Bantu Education!
-Let them go shit-- -[Brenda] Hey. Hey!
Don't you see that there are people around?
Do you want us all to die because of your noise?
Get hold of yourself, there are snitches around.
[in English] Answer my question. What was their mission?
Uh, their... their mission was... was to...
To rape and to plunder. Hmm? Mondy boy!
-[hands clap] -[Mondy and man laughing, chattering]
-[in isiZulu] Ah, Brenda. How are you? -I'm fine.
Does your dad know you're here?
Ah. Solly Mahlangu. Hey? What have you got there?
Miles Davis.
Jesus.
Do you know what this is, my boy? Huh?
This is hip.
[in English] Yeah, only they won't teach you that.
They'll tell you that it was to establish a trading post
in the southern, most uncivilized tip of Africa.
[Solomon narrating] His name is Thomas Masuku.
But we know him as Tommy London,
a local Mamelodi activist and struggle hero.
London had been recruiting students to join the ANC,
to ultimately rise against the regime.
I didn't know what to make of him, but he was intriguing.
London was no gangster, but he was dangerous.
And he spoke perfect English. Tommy London.
[man in crowd] Yebo.
[in English] Yeah. We want people to join the movement so we can fight the system.
[children chattering]
[Tommy] There's gonna be a march, day after tomorrow.
On the 16th of June in Soweto. Hey?
-[Brenda] Okay. -[Tommy] I'm organizing some busses.
I want you guys to come. Hey?
You know, maybe get some other people to show their support.
[Mondy in Sesotho] Uh-huh. For sure, Bra-T. I'm gonna be there.
-[Brenda] I'm also coming. -[Solomon] Hey, we're not going.
-I said I'm going. -I said we're not going.
[Tommy] Solly, Bantu Education is a joke.
Don't you see they're messing with your brain?
They're making sure that you understand all of their commands.
"Yes, boss. No, boss. I'm sorry, boss."
Hold on a second, I've got something for you.
[boy imitating car engine]
Hey, kid...
beat it.
-Uncle London, I want to play. -[speaking isiZulu]
[Tommy] Come, now. The grown-ups have business to do.
Hurry out.
[Brenda] I'll buy you a sweet, okay?
[Mondy and Brenda laughing]
[in English] I want you guys to take a couple. Hand them out.
[Mondy] "To hell with Afrikaans."
[Mondy and Brenda chattering excitedly]
[in isiZulu] So, I'll see you guys at the bus stop. Behind the station.
-[Brenda] June 16th. -Okay, Bra-T. Can I have my LP please?
[door slams]
You'll get your album on June 16th.
In Soweto.
-[Brenda] Let's go. -Don't stress. Let's go.
Let's go.
-[Tommy] Cool, Miles Davis. -[Brenda] Cheers, Tommy.
[all chattering, laughing]
All right, kid. You can play now.
Make sure you look after my car.
[boy imitating car engine] Beep!
-[man grunts] -[thudding]
[Solomon narrating] "Boxing is like jazz.
The better it is, the less people appreciate it."
George Foreman.
-Ah. -[in SePitori] Brother Lucas.
How are you?
Good.
Are you cool?
Yeah. I'm fine.
Uh...
Happy birthday.
You didn't forget.
[in isiNdebele] How could I forget?
Eh?
Heavyweight.
And the record?
You can go play it.
Cool.
["Yakhal' Inkomo" plays]
[Solomon narrating] My mother,
a domestic worker who gets paid to raise another family
in the suburbs of Pretoria.
-Hello, Ma. -Hello, my child.
Oh, you've grown into a man. You look just like your father.
-Really, Ma? -[chuckles]
How was your day?
It went well, but the Boers are slave drivers.
[Solomon] Brother, how's work?
A job is a job, Solly. I do my work, I get paid. What can I say?
And you?
-It's okay, but the police... -Solly, they're doing their job.
How does it feel to be a man now? The sack must be getting heavy now.
Ah, Bra-Lucas, I don't know...
-Are you a faggot? -Ah, Lucas...
-[chuckles] -Work is waiting for me. I have to go.
Girls will be flocking. You must go get them.
[chuckling] Brother Lucas...
[coos] Watch out world, here comes my handsome son.
Oh, Ma.
-Where are you off to? -I'm going to Marabastad.
Okay, buy me snuff. This one is almost finished.
-Okay, Ma. Yeah. -You'll buy it for me?
Thank you, my boy. Don't forget your pass.
[sighs] Ma.
-Go well. -Okay, Ma.
[Martha chuckles, sighs]
[indistinct chatter]
[car horn honking]
[in Sesotho] Sol, man. How are you?
-Hi, Mondy. -[replies]
-Who are you with? -Sure, Miles Davis.
[sighs]
So, the march on the 16th, are you in?
-[sighs] Mondy, I can't. -You can.
-I'm working. -You're a hawker...
I'm supporting my mother and brother.
Your brother. He earns enough working for the enemy.
Hey. Don't come with your shit.
[laughing] Shit? Shit is being a hawker, you sellout.
Yeah? What did you say, boy?
-Solly-- -Hey, hey, hey.
Shit.
Looks like you forgot who took care of you at initiation.
And you, Bra-T...
-Where is my LP? -[hand brake clicks]
[in English] And what about the people? Hmm?
Which people?
[grunts] Mfana, it's cowards like you
that allow all of these white people to rule over us.
Nah, Bra-T. A coward is a person that kills his own black brother.
[in isiZulu] Spider was a worthless traitor.
If Spider were to walk through here now, I'd kill him again.
So you can get killed by just being labelled a traitor?
Then kill me, Mondy just called me a snitch.
-Now you're talking shit, my boy. -Am I?
That's right. Be careful.
[grumbles]
-Mondy, let's go. -[Mondy] Fuck off.
[engine starts]
-[crickets chirping] -[sirens wailing faintly]
[Brenda] Why are you so quiet?
-Say something. -[Solomon] Oh. Okay. All right.
What else did they teach you at initiation?
Hey, Brenda, what happens at initiation stays there.
-But why? Tell me. -It's men's talk.
But who am I going to tell?
-Like I said, it's men's talk. -But who am I going to tell?
Like I said, it's men talk.
Come here.
If you won't open your mouth and tell me,
I won't give it up either.
-Baby, no. -I won't.
[both chuckle]
-[Brenda] Mm-mmm. -[mutters]
Okay, you think you're better than the guys they catch every day?
Mmm?
Brenda...
Look, I lost my father to the Boers. They are cold-hearted.
I've experienced it myself. I don't want to talk about this, okay?
I thought you were not afraid.
Brenda, I'm not afraid of anything.
[Brenda] Mm-mmm.
I'm going to the march. With or without you.
[Solomon narrating] To love someone...
to love you...
is to see my life's greatest ambition personified.
[coins jingle]
[upbeat music plays]
[Solomon in English] Right...
Onions, tamaties, apples...
and bananas.
Uh, Solly, you are short 2 rand.
Uh, no. You guys still owe me 2 rand from last week, hey?
-Uttran, we owe Solly 2 rand. -Yes, we do.
-I'll see you. -Hey, Solly!
[indistinct chatter]
-[in isiZulu] Got you, little devil! -[yells]
[indistinct muttering]
-[Solomon panting] -[policeman grunts]
-[in English] We got you, hawker boy. -[in Afrikaans] Nah, man. Piss off!
Piss off!
[yells, grunts]
[policeman 2] You think you can run from us?
-Think you can run, hey? Bliksem! -[Solomon grunting]
Now we'll see how well you run on a full stomach, hey.
Come. [taps truncheon] Pick him up. Come, come, come.
Let's see you run now.
-[Solomon] Please-- -Uh. Uh. Eat.
-[muffled struggling] -Eat. Eat!
Eat. Eat.
Ah. Uh-uh. Uh-uh. Eat it.
Please, please...
Eat. Come. Eat it.
-[muffled] Okay, okay. Okay. -Eat it!
Eat it all.
Yeah?
-[gags, coughs] -Eat it.
-I can't eat any more. -You can't? Why? Why?
Please, I can't.
Maybe we should make him some room, hey?
[Solomon crying]
[belt buckle clinking]
[chuckling]
[crying]
[Brenda crying]
[Brenda sniffs]
[in Sesotho] Soweto was a bloodbath, boy.
Jesus. Oh.
[in English] Solly, we are leaving, hey. In two days.
[Mondy] Are you with us? Lucky is coming with us.
[Lucky] Yes.
So, what do you say, Davis? Are you in?
[engine starts]
[in isiZulu] Solly, please don't go with them.
Shh.
[sobs]
Let's go.
[Brenda] Solly, I'm sorry.
I should have listened to you.
Please forgive me for not listening to you.
No, Brenda, I'm the coward.
Don't say that.
I let you go to the march alone,
and I stayed behind.
What kind of man does that?
I'm sorry.
They killed innocent children.
-There were dogs... -[echoing yelling]
...tear gas.
-And stones flying... everywhere. -[marching footsteps]
There was so much noise.
[sirens wailing faintly]
-Then gunshots. -[screaming]
[screaming, sirens intensify]
[gunshot]
Then it's quiet.
Quiet.
It was horrific.
It was as if I could hear the skin being separated from their bodies.
[explosions, gunshots continue]
You could hear their breath being sucked out of their bodies.
-[screaming] -[gunshots]
[Brenda sobs]
Then you'd hear gunshot after gunshot. Even now... I can hear the gunshots.
Gunshots. Children falling to the ground.
Gunshots.
I've never seen so much blood in my life.
Why do those Boers hate us so much? What have we done to them? [sobs]
Why can't they have mercy on us? What have we done?
[prosecutor] If you weren't at June the 16th, why did you go into exile?
[in isiNdebele] I got tired.
Angry.
My family was forcefully removed from our ancestral land.
It killed my father. I had to help my mother.
And my manhood had been violated. I couldn't take it anymore.
What would you do?
[in English] Besides,
we know what you were capable of.
-Who? -The Afrikaner racist regime.
Capable of killing marching students.
-Hooligans and rioters. Criminals-- -Children.
Marching for freedom.
You see, Soweto made us angry. It made me angry.
And to think I wasn't even there.
Policemen killing children.
We were tired of only having stones to throw while you shoot us with bullets.
We were going to fight fire with fire.
[in isiNdebele] Why aren't you eating your food?
I'm not hungry, Ma.
Solomon...
This is not life.
This can't be how God wants us to live.
Kalushi, you don't question God.
God has a way of doing things.
What way is that, Ma?
Look at my face.
What God allows children to be beaten up and shot dead?
Our land... and our father to be taken?
Don't bring your father into this.
Look, I know for certain that if my dad was still alive,
we wouldn't be living like this.
[Lucas] Solomon...
don't talk to Ma like that.
Lucas, Solomon, Jesus is alive. Have faith.
Now, eat, my child.
Ma...
are you still waiting for Jesus?
Waiting for Jesus to come back and fix our problems?
Jesus is never coming back.
He's dead.
They told us at initiation...
when you're dead, you don't come back.
Lucas! You'll kill my son!
[Martha sighs]
What-- What's got into your head?
One of these days you're going to regret saying these things.
Let him go, Ma.
[Martha crying] Let him go...
[door opens, closes]
[panting]
[Mondy in Sesotho] Where's Solly?
Hurry up. Get inside.
What's with the big suitcase? What did you pack?
Why are you so slow?
[indistinct chatter]
-[Lucas] Ma. Ma. -Yes?
-Solomon has gone. -Gone? Where to?
He wrote this note...
"Brother Lucas, Brother Lucas.
I have left. Please don't bother looking for me."
He's gone, Ma.
Since when has he started writing us letters when he goes to work on the train?
Today is a big church day, and I'm already late.
Ma, Solomon has gone!
Listen, find him.
When I come back from church, I want to see both of you here.
These kids will drive me mad.
[Tommy] You're killing us.
What's going on here?
[man groans]
Tommy, this car is stuck.
[in English] This is the middle of fucking nowhere.
Do you know how many police are looking for people like us?
[in isiZulu] Uh... maybe it's the water?
[Tommy] No, man. I don't have time for nonsense.
Hey, Davis, my boy. Here's your LP.
Get your stuff. Eh? Hurry up, man. Let's go.
[man] Tommy, maybe if we try to fix it...
We don't have time to fix it. You fucked up big time.
How did you leave the country?
We used the green border to cross over into Mozambique.
[Tommy in isiZulu] We're marching up and down, the Boers shoot at us.
Up and down, up and down.
[in English] I mean, I was expecting you to come join us at the march.
I thought you'd change your mind, Solly.
Come on, Davis, man, we just wanna know. What was going on?
[in isiZulu] Were you with another girl? Because we were with Brenda.
[in English] We went out there to fight for people's freedom, your freedom.
You didn't even join us.
Now you can't even tell us what was going on?
Hey, London, I didn't ask you to fight for me, nê?
[in Sesotho] Let it go, okay?
-[Lucky] We just want to know. -Hey, man. [tuts]
[Tommy] Hey, Solly, Solly...
Let him go. That bag is probably full of fruit.
Bra-T, we've been walking for a long time. Where is this place?
[in English] Almost there, almost there, Mondy.
We just go down this path, follow it all the way to the river.
-Once we get to the boulders... -[shirt rips]
-...I'm telling you, we are there. -Shit!
[in Sesotho] Jesus! This shirt cost me 50 rand!
[Tommy] Ah. I thought something serious was going on, man.
Bra-T, this is a designer shirt.
Designer shirt, my ass, mfana. You'll replace that in Mozambique.
Mozambique? This is limited edition.
[Mondy] Are you sure there are no crocodiles here?
[Tommy] No. Just move on.
Be careful of these stones.
-Hurry up! -[indistinct chatter]
-[Mondy] Are there snakes in this water? -No, let's go.
[Tommy in English] Come, guys. Almost there.
[indistinct radio chatter]
Whoa!
Yeah!
Brothers, welcome to Mozambique.
-[laughing] -Whoa!
[in Sesotho] Vorster, you motherfucker!
We'll be back.
[cheering]
[imitates gunfire]
[in Portuguese] Hey, you! Hands up!
-Get down! -Don't shoot!
-Don't shoot. Don't shoot. -This is Mozambique.
We know. We are ANC, comrades.
-Why are they taking our bags? -[speaking Portuguese]
-What? -We are ANC. We are ANC, comrades.
[clamoring, yelling]
-Get down! -[all shouting]
Get down!
-Shut up! [in English] How many? -Quatro, quatro. Four.
-How many? -There are four of us.
[soldier] Shut up!
[boy in Portuguese] Oh, hello.
[imitates gunfire]
Hello.
[Solomon in Sesotho] Mondy...
Mondy...
Mondy, wake up.
-[grunts faintly] -Drink this.
There you go. Like that.
Where are we?
We're in Mozambique.
London and Lucky boy are over there.
-[grunts] -We made it.
Yes, we have.
[fly buzzing]
-Mondy. You'll get better. -[Mondy grunts]
-Davis. -[Mondy] Hello, Lucky.
[Lucky] These Shangaans will kill you. We're not in Pretoria.
Whatever.
[in Portuguese] Thank you.
[in Portuguese] Thank you, Ma.
What's the name of your tail?
Ah. Don't know.
[Solomon grunts]
[in English] Hey. What's your name?
[chuckles] Okay. Um...
Mondy. Yeah? Lucky.
And Tommy London.
And I'm Solomon. Huh?
-Say Solomon. -"Solomon."
Yeah, yeah. Good, good. And you are?
[in Portuguese] I don't have a name.
Ay, he's lying, man. There's no one without a name.
[in Sesotho] No, Bra-T. I think he's serious.
This is simple. Let's give him a name.
Uh...
Um...
-Coca-Cola. -Coca-Cola?
[laughing] Yeah, Coca-Cola.
-[Tommy] No, man. -Coca-Cola?
-[all laughing] -No. No, no.
[in Portuguese] You're kidding.
[in English] Call him Fanta, man.
-[Mondy and Solomon protesting] -[Tommy] It's much better.
[in isiZulu] Yeah, man. Add some color to the poor kid.
You see how dark this boy is? He's a foreigner.
Like, "Black like me. Black like me." [laughs]
-Yo. King size. -[all laughing]
Coca-Cola.
-See? -[in Sesotho] So you like the name?
-Okay, come here. -Coca-Cola.
Olá, Coca-Cola. Huh?
[laughing] Coca-Cola.
Solomon, Coca-Cola.
-[laughs] Coca-Cola. -[laughs]
Yeah, man. Jesus. [sighs]
[grunting]
-[in Portuguese] One. -"One."
-Two. -"Two."
-Three. -"Three."
-Four. -"Four."
Five.
[in isiZulu] Hmm? "Bread"?
[all chuckling]
But you heard him, right?
[in English] Okay, gents, we... We've been here for months now, man.
Either we plan our escape or we buy our way out of here.
[speaking isiZulu]
[in Sesotho] I am with you, Bra-T.
The food here is shit,
the toilets stink...
Look at this bread, you could use it as a soccer ball.
And I can't take jerking off anymore.
Mondy, be serious, please.
I am serious.
[in English] Hey, hey. We must get word to Lusaka, man. They must get us out.
I've got a plan. How much money have we got, hey?
Uh...
Solly, the man...
[clears throat]
-[coins clink] -[Tommy chuckles]
Oh, Miles Davis, wena, you're always seven steps to heaven, mos, hey?
Plan B.
[Solomon in English] Bra-T.
Next time, get your shit together
so we don't end up in situations like this.
[in isiZulu] A little English and you think you got balls?
[tuts] Shit.
[Tommy in Portuguese] Here, Cola. Go.
Go. Go.
[Solomon narrating] With the help of Coca-Cola,
we managed to get contraband paper,
and started a letter-writing campaign to the ANC in Maputo
to give word to Lusaka.
-[excited chatter] -Smuggling out a new letter every week,
pleading for a rescue.
After six months in Xai Xai, Mozambique had begun to take its toll.
But we could not give up.
[talking indistinctly]
[Lucky in isiZulu] Okay. Now, look here...
Hmm? Uh--
Ah. You're naughty. [chuckles]
[Mondy in Sesotho] Bra-T,
we've been in this shithole of a country for six fucking months.
Is this what you brought us here for? Huh?
It's Portuguese, FRELIMOs, kids named Coca-Cola,
mosquitoes biting us, kids constantly crying, the rain doesn't want to stop...
Bra-T...
[sighs] Do something.
Are you finished?
What are you looking at?
This looks like my shirt.
-Answer me! -[Coca-Cola yelling]
[all shouting]
Mondy, what's wrong with you?
He's a kid! Have you lost your mind?
[in isiZulu] Fuck off, shithead.
Go cool off.
[in Portuguese] Hey, Cola.
Don't mind him. Okay?
I have to find Mondy.
[Solomon mutters]
This is a river when we have floods.
My mom used to wash me here.
It reminds me of her.
That was before the war.
[in Portuguese] You must miss her a lot.
Yes.
[soldiers grunting]
-[female soldier] How many? -[male soldier] Four.
-Take me there. -Yes, Captain.
[in isiZulu] Are you from South Africa?
I'm talking to you!
[all] Yes.
[in English] Pack your things.
-What? -She said, "Pack your things."
Hey, guys, the ANC answered our letter, man.
-[excited exclamations] -Let's go, let's go!
-[in Portuguese] Let's go, let's go. -See you later, with your funky food.
[in Portuguese] And this tail?
-[soldier] He can stay. He's an orphan. -No, I'm not.
[in Portuguese] No, no. He's with me.
[in English] Hey. The first rule of survival is to look after number one.
[in isiZulu] If you want to survive, you better listen to me.
[in English] Let's go.
[in isiNdebele] Sorry, sister, you're making a mistake.
-[in Portuguese] He stays. -He's with me. He's with me.
[all clamoring]
-He's with me! -No! Solomon!
[yelling, arguing]
-[Coca-Cola] Solomon! Solomon! -[Solomon] Hey! He's with me!
-Don't leave me! Solomon! -Coca-Cola!
-Solomon! -Coca-Cola!
-[fading] Solomon! Don't leave me! -[shouting, clamoring]
Solomon!
[female soldier in English] Follow me.
Get in.
[soldiers singing, indistinct]
It's got nothing to do with you.
[in Portuguese] UNITA traitors.
[in English] It's between the MPLA and UNITA.
Follow me.
This will be your home for the next few months.
Get comfortable.
Comrades, this is your engineering camp.
Training will commence soon.
[gunshots]
[in isiZulu] Gents, you can see how it is.
Let's be vigilant.
[in English] Let's watch our backs. And watch each other's backs.
Comrades, we will now be moving on to combat and military operations.
-Viva, ANC, viva! -Viva!
-Long live the Freedom Charter, long live! -Long live!
-[all in isiZulu] Power! -Is ours!
-Power!
I've just received word.
Comrades, our commander-in-chief, O.R. Tambo, the general,
has got a very important message for us.
Please come closer, comrades.
[Tambo in English] All our commanders, cadres and commissars in Angola, viva.
[all] Viva!
-To all of you in Mozambique, viva. -Viva.
-All of our compatriots in Angola, viva. -Viva!
-Viva uMkhonto weSizwe, viva. -Viva!
There are three fire settings on the AK-47.
It's safe.
Ehlisa, all the way down, semiautomatic single fire. Bang.
[in isiZulu] In the middle, it's a machine gun. [imitates machine gun]
[in English] Full automatic, constant, rapid fire. [imitates machine gun]
Yeah?
Commander, when will we each get issued with a Kalashnikov?
Soon, comrade. You will get your weapon soon.
Yeah?
And, Commander, when do we go back? When do we actually start fighting?
Comrade, you must remember, this is an essential part of your training.
It's dangerous to pick up a weapon when you do not know how to use it.
You're not mercenaries. You are freedom fighters.
-Are we clear? -Yes, Commander.
-[shouting] Are we clear? -Yes, Commander!
[Tambo on radio] ...battle to the white minority regime of Vorster
to avenge the blood of over a thousand innocent students
-who only said, "Enough," to Afrikaans. -Fire!
[Tambo continues, indistinct]
Compatriots, we are not killers, but revolutionaries.
Long live the revolution.
-[in Sesotho] The power! -It belongs to us!
-The power!
-Are you scared of them? -No, we are not! We want them!
Oliver Tambo!
[all singing "Oliver Tambo, thetha no Vorster"]
[chanting, singing continues]
-[in isiZulu] Power! -Is ours!
-Power!
-[in Sesotho] The power! -It belongs to us!
-The power!
...comrades.
[indistinct chatter]
[in Afrikaans] The mieliepap is fucking cold.
[soldier chuckles]
Hey. That's the language of the oppressor.
[in isiZulu] You know, comrades,
Bantu Education is an instrument used by Verwoerd, and now by Vorster,
to ensure they have an endless supply of uneducated laborers.
It is there to protect the stronghold of the Boers. Finished!
[Solomon, in English] I agree. I mean...
I think the regime is an enemy to African people, to African consciousness,
But I think eventually it's going to be an enemy to the white people themselves.
[in Afrikaans] Mm-hmm. I agree. Are we not all free-born men?
Hey, man. There you go again with your Afrikaans.
-[Afrikaans man] Ah, piss off! -[all laughing]
[commander] Comrades.
The Charter says to protect each and every South African that lives in it.
Black, white, Indian or Coloured.
It doesn't matter who gave birth to you.
What matters is that you are part of the solution
that's going to bring down imperialism.
Then you belong here.
"uMkhonto weSizwe." What does it mean to you?
What do we want to achieve?
What is the nature of our struggle that we face?
Well... we are the spear of the nation.
Our purpose is to fight the enemy.
Yeah, but... we are more than just fighters.
We're lovers.
Che Guevara once said that revolution is the greatest act of love.
Love for one's people. Love for one's country.
That's what the MK is.
That's our cause. It's love.
[Mailer in English] Solomon.
Where in Angola did you receive your training?
Uh, it was an engineering camp outside Luanda.
And please, tell the court...
when you received your training,
were you taught to avoid all forms of civilian casualties?
Yes.
[sighs] It was stressed at all times that we should avoid civilian casualties.
The court will take a short recess.
[training soldier] Ready...
Fire!
Cease fire, comrade. Comrade! Comrade!
Stop firing!
[in Spanish] What's happening, fucker? What is your problem?
[in English] What the fuck is your problem, huh?
Have you got a small dick? Huh? Is that why you shoot like that?
If anyone does something stupid like this again, they will face a firing squad.
-Is that clear? -[all] Yes, Commander.
[in Spanish] Do you understand?
Y-Yes, Commander.
You faggot.
[in English] At ease!
[fire crackling]
[female commander] Comrade, can I have a moment, please?
I'm sorry about your friend Coca-Cola.
But he will survive.
I was once Coca-Cola.
But your friend Mondy is out of control. You need to watch him.
It's what happens when you... when you believe so strongly in something.
And what do you believe in?
I believe in change.
I mean, we shout it, we yearn... but nothing.
I think it's time we did something.
I like your passion.
However, remember that revolutionaries are ready to kill or be killed.
Have you ever killed someone?
No.
Well, don't be in too much of a rush to do it.
You don't want to see life fade from someone's eyes.
You watch their soul go away...
and you know that you took it.
You don't want that on your conscience.
Leave.
Yes, Commander.
Commander. May I have a word with you in private?
-Can it wait, comrade? -Uh, no. I'd rather it not, Commander.
It's about our mission into the country.
Commander, I understand how important this mission is to the movement.
So... I'd rather not go with some of the members of my cell--
Uh, decisions were taken at the highest level.
It's a practical matter. You go with the guys from your area.
-No, I understand, Com-- -That's an order, comrade.
Let's carry on with our briefing.
Comrades, you have received training in sabotage. Correct?
Yes, Commander.
You now know how to manufacture homemade explosives from commercial materials.
-Military combat works. Yes? -Yes, Commander.
All government targets. And avoid civilian casualties.
Stop basic services like the post office...
-...police stations... -...or all electricity powers.
[male commander 2] In the course of the next three weeks,
you'll receive further instructions.
Stay away from the public eye. Comrades, remember, never panic.
[male commander 1] Cadres, you are now part of MK's Transvaal Urban Machinery.
Gentlemen, you must remember you are in the frontline states.
[female commander] Comrades, stay close to the radio.
Do not lose it.
If anything happens, it will be your key to survival.
[driver in Sesotho] This is the path you need to follow.
Go well.
[indistinct chatter]
-[driver mutters] -[all] Cool, cool.
[singing softly in isiZulu]
Hey, comrades. There's our DLB. Come, come.
[in English] Comrade Mondy.
Comrade Lucky.
There's something else here.
-[explosion] -[Tommy yells]
-[Mondy in Sesotho] Fuck! Take cover! -[Tommy groaning]
[Lucky] Shh.
Bra-T. Are you okay?
-[Tommy] I can't see! I can't see! -[Lucky] Okay, okay.
-[Solomon] Come. -[Tommy] Comrades, take everything.
[Solomon narrating] For our protection, our DLB had been booby-trapped.
A fact Comrade London had forgotten.
-[dogs barking] -[panting]
[dogs continue barking]
[Tommy] Do you see somebody? Is there someone there?
-[farmer] Kira! Leave it! -[barking stops]
Yes? Can I help you?
[Tommy] We are looking for apples.
-How many? -Four. And we are expecting one more.
Jesus, London. I've been expecting you since yesterday.
-C-Come in. -[Tommy] Comrade, move.
Come, comrades, quickly.
Jeez, where were you guys? Your travel documents were ready yesterday.
Apologies, comrade. We got held up.
Comrades, London has lost a lot of blood. Gonna have to go on without him.
I can still get them across.
Look, it's just a small cut. Come on, Dawood.
London, I've been treating cadres for many years now.
And the next hospital is five hours away in Manzini.
I brought these boys here. Okay? They are my responsibility.
-[phone rings] -[Solomon] No.
Comrade Dawood is right. You're in no condition to travel.
-And we still have a long way to go. -[sniffs]
[whispering] Bra-T. We can't leave you here, man.
[in isiZulu] Yeah, Bra-T, Mondy is right.
Yeah. Yeah, gents. I'm gonna take you boys across--
Comrade London...
Comrade Dawood has just informed you that you are in no condition to travel.
So I suggest you heed his advice.
-[phone clicks] -[Dawood] That was Lusaka.
Told them about the accident and our situation.
Really must make those DLBs safer. You're not the first one.
Also, they said Comrade London must remain behind to recover.
Huh? Uh... No, no, no. What about the mission?
-No, the mission continues. -[Dawood] Mm.
Look, we're already a day behind. And I know the Eastern Transvaal.
I was born there. And he and I went to initiation there.
-So I can lead us. -Good.
I'll let High Command know that Comrade Kalushi is your commander from here on.
Uh, wh-what?
Do you have a problem, comrade?
[in Sesotho] Yes, I have a problem. What makes you so special?
-I have family there. -So what? What makes you so special?
-And I'm better equipped to lead us-- -Equipped? You, equipped?
-[arguing] -Comrade!
You've never had the discipline--
-What discipline? -Order, comrades!
-Hey! -[arguing stops]
Hey. That's final.
Comrade Kalushi will take you guys across the border. Are we clear?
As I was saying to Comrade London, your travel documents are ready.
-Just need your photos. -[Solomon] Right.
[shutter clicks]
[Dawood] Next.
Next.
[car engine running]
Now, comrades, remember, the Swaziland police are very finicky.
So don't give them cause for suspicion.
Good luck, chaps.
[door closes]
[grunts] Here's 1,000 rand.
Hmm?
Here's your instructions to the next DLB. You know what to do.
[in Portuguese] The struggle continues, comrade.
Thanks, Comrade Dawood.
[sniffs, sighs]
[water running]
-Who are you? -I am Byron Sikhosana.
-What? -Byron Sikhosana.
And what you doing in South Africa?
I am visiting family.
[in Afrikaans] Uh, sir, what do you think?
He looks like a terrorist to me.
-[in English] Welcome to South Africa. -Thank you.
[papers rustle]
-Who are you? -Jabulani Sikhosana.
[stamps]
[radio announcer] With the anniversary of June the 16th only four days away,
police and army have intensified their efforts.
All major routes to Soweto are being monitored.
It is believed that two battalions are on standby at nearby military bases.
-[in Sesotho] Solly, we've got a plan. -What plan now?
-We have to go to Soweto. -Our mission's in Tembisa.
-[scoffs] Who is in Tembisa? -Our mission's in Tembisa, not Soweto.
Did you hear the radio? We are needed in Soweto.
What if the commanders have another mission in Soweto?
Man, fuck the commanders.
[chattering, laughing through door]
[in isiNdebele] Phineus. It's me, Mahlangu. Open.
-[knocks] -[chattering continues]
[knocks]
[Phineus in isiZulu] Who's that, knocking like a policeman?
What do you want?
[chuckles] Cousin, it's been a while. How are you?
Cool, Phineus.
Cool.
Mondy. Last I saw you was at initiation. You didn't finish, you dog!
Don't start with your shit.
Yeah... Why are you all so serious? [chuckles]
Who's this?
Oh. Lucky, Phineus. Phineus, Lucky.
Cool.
Come in, we're drinking.
Why are you so angry?
It's cold outside. [chuckles]
-You're sitting around drinking. -[glasses clinking]
[chattering, laughing continues]
Phineus, is that manhood?
[chuckles] We're just chilling.
[in English] Gents,
sitting here complaining about how you're oppressed in your own land
won't solve anything.
It's time to fight back.
It's time to educate yourselves.
To discipline yourselves.
[in Sesotho] It's time we fight them. It's time we killed these dogs.
No. Killing won't solve anything. Discipline will.
[chuckles] Whoa, guys...
are you guys serious?
Phineus. Our freedom is serious.
[trumpet plays jazz ballad]
[jazz continues]
[music fades]
[record scratching]
[indistinct whispering]
Hey.
The train leaves in an hour. Let's go.
-Huh. [scoffs] -What the hell is this?
[cup clunks]
[Solomon narrating] We went to Tembisa to do our reconnaissance for the mission.
[in Sesotho] You can see for yourself.
There is nothing happening in Tembisa.
[Solomon in English] Okay. So what do you guys want to do in Soweto?
[Mondy] We've been trained, man. Hey? Pretty boy.
Let's go and give our people hope.
[Solomon narrating] Mondy and Lucky had a point.
We were soldiers now. We belonged on the front line.
Let's move out.
Go.
[Solomon narrating] Soweto...
[indistinct chatter]
[salesman] Apples, bananas.
[whistles] ...bananas.
[taxi driver] Dube. Dube. Dube.
-[Mondy] Orlando? -This is the one to Orlando.
Plus two, plus two, plus two?
[speaking indistinctly]
[seat belt clicks]
[in isiZulu] Hey... [sighs]
Relax. We're almost there. One more person.
Where are you going, gents?
Ah, Orlando.
And what do you have in the bag?
It's just some luggage.
[clicks tongue]
[indistinct yelling]
[yelling continues]
[grunts, groans]
[gunshots]
Shit!
-[screaming] -[indistinct shouting]
[Lucky in isiZulu] Solly! Solly! See you at the meeting point.
Okay, cool. Mondy!
-[Mondy yelling] -[Solomon panting] Mondy!
-Hurry up! Hurry up, man! -Fuck!
[sirens wailing]
Mondy!
Hurry up! Hurry up, man.
-[Mondy yells, grunting] -[man shouting indistinctly]
-Hey! -[Mondy] Let go of me!
Hey! Hey, hey, hey!
-Put him down. Put him down! -[Mondy grunting]
-[Mondy] I swear I'll kill him. -Stay where you are.
Don't shoot.
[in Sesotho] You'll shit yourself, asshole!
Mondy-- No, Mondy! Mondy.
[exhales]
-[Solomon screaming] -[Mondy grunts]
Solly, get up!
Run, Solly!
[yells indistinctly]
-[sirens wailing] -[grunting]
Mondy!
[gunshots]
Run, Solly!
[sirens continue]
[grunting, panting]
[men speaking indistinctly]
[gasps, grunts]
-[sighs] -[sirens continue]
[grunts]
[Mondy echoing] Solomon. Solomon!
[people shouting, screaming]
[Mondy echoing] Where is he? Where is Solomon?
-Hey, piss off, man-- -[gunshots]
-[whispering voices echoing] -[Mondy gasps, yells]
[Mondy yelling]
[sirens wailing]
[in Afrikaans] This is a terrorist attack.
Who do we appoint to work on this?
The prime minister asked me personally to come here all the way from Pretoria,
to make sure that we...
[in Afrikaans] Come, men. Come, come, come!
-...you, do things right. -[man] Shut up!
Come on!
-You're wasting my fucking time! -[Mondy breathing heavily]
Pick this thing up!
[Mondy groaning] Solomon... Solomon.
We need someone smart. Someone with a cool head.
[door opens]
[footsteps approaching]
Minister, may I introduce to you...
Head Inspector Eric van Heerden.
[officer shouting]
-Come, come, come! -Close, man. Close.
-[grunting] -[shouting]
-Shut your fucking mouth! -[Solomon groaning]
He will handle the case.
Van Heerden, we don't want any problems here.
You will handle this case with purpose and efficiency.
-Do we understand each other? -Yes, Minister, perfectly.
Good day, gentlemen.
[Solomon straining]
[spluttering, whimpering]
You going to talk now?
You think you're clever?
Who is Solomon?
[grunting]
Are you enjoying this, Jabulani?
Huh?
Do you want us to stop?
Tell me, who is Solomon?
Byron told me I should ask you.
Don't want to talk, huh?
I'm asking you one more time.
Who... is... Solomon?
[Mondy inhales sharply]
[wailing]
-[dogs barking] -[men shouting]
[in English] You fucking useless kaffir!
[all shouting]
-[in Afrikaans] Hi. -[van Heerden] Hi. What's happening here?
-What do you mean? -I'm trying to put the case together.
You're beating the shit out of them while I'm trying to question them.
[scoffs] We're softening these kaffirs up for questioning.
[scoffs]
[van Heerden sighs]
[in English] Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu.
Where did you go to school?
I already gave you my statement.
Do you want me to bring those other guys back?
[clicks tongue] Okay.
Lucas Mahlangu works as a prison warder.
Lives with Martha. Mamelodi.
It's your family.
And then there's this, uh... this Coloured.
Brenda.
Your girlfriend?
My family have nothing to do with this.
I'm just asking.
-Where'd you go to school? -They don't know anything.
[sniffs, clears throat]
"Brother Lucas, Brother Lucas, Brother Lucas.
I have left. Please don't bother looking for me."
Hmm?
So, when you wrote this letter for Lucas... where did you go then?
I ran away from home.
Really? Really?
So how did you end up on Goch Street with military-grade weapons
where two innocent people were left dead?
Okay.
Where'd you go to school?
Mamelodi High School.
Mamelodi High.
[imitating Solomon] Phineus.
Phineus.
[muffled crying]
[in Afrikaans] Ready to talk?
Come.
Walk.
[van Heerden] Gentlemen, I am due back in court. Keep it brief.
[minister] You went too far with the Motloung interrogation.
Yes, uh... With all due respect, Minister, he was like that when you appointed me.
Yes, but what are the implications?
Can the other one stand trial? What's his name again?
-Uh, Mahlangu. -Yes, yes. Can Mahlangu stand trial?
Uh, yes, Minister. But most of our witnesses point to Motloung...
Ugh, man, Motloung, Mahlangu... Fucking kaffir names...
I don't give a damn about your witnesses.
Will someone hang for this, or not?
-Minister-- -What sort of message will we be sending?
Two white people are dead. Murdered in cold blood.
Two good reasons why this Mahlangu dog should hang.
Minister, but what if we can't prove that Mahlangu...
Fuck it, van Heerden.
Was he one of the fucking kaffirs running around the streets of Johannesburg,
firing machine guns and throwing hand grenades, or not?
-Did two white people die, or not? -Yes, Minister.
Don't underestimate the long arm of the law.
[chains clinking]
[guard] Come.
[in English] Welcome to Pretoria Central maximum security prison.
When you leave here, it'll be in a coffin.
[guards laughing]
Okay, let me get this right.
You'd gotten away. Why did you go back?
I heard gunfire.
And Mondy was shouting for help.
So I knew there was something wrong.
You had the chance to escape. This is your life, Solomon. You went back.
I couldn't leave him behind.
-[man yelling] Come on... -[Mondy] Solomon, help!
-[men yelling] -[Mondy screaming]
[older man] Bastard!
-[moaning] Solomon... -[Solomon] Hey! Hey, hey!
-[sirens wailing] -Hey, put it down, man! Put it down!
-[younger man] He was shooting at us. -I don't care. Step back.
-[moaning] Solomon... -Hey, stay away!
Mondy. What have you done? Mondy.
-[doors opening] -[sirens approaching]
-[Solomon mutters] -[policeman in Afrikaans] Get them!
[policeman 2] Drop your weapon! Drop your fucking weapon!
[chattering, indistinct]
-[policeman grunting] -[Solomon grunts]
Sorry...
[grunting]
[in Afrikaans] Take them away!
So... that's when they took us to John Vorster.
That's what happened.
We'll see what we can do.
It's going to be uphill all the way. But we will fight.
I work in John Orr's warehouse, in the workshop.
I'm a mechy-- A mechanic.
We were having tea in Mr. Kassner's office...
[Solomon panting]
Uh, there was myself, Mr. Kassner, Mr. Wolfendale and Mr. Hartog.
Hey, that guy Ted, he's only but an idiot, hey?
-Hell, that oke is dof. -[long-haired man] Yeah, he's really dof.
-Ah, dof or not, I'm still gonna watch it. -[men laugh]
We were having tea in my office when, um, this young Bantu appears at the door.
-[prosecutor] Who? The accused? -No, the other one.
The other one? Motloung?
-[papers shuffle] -Motloung.
You've identified him now, you identified him earlier, and previously at the lineup.
-Motloung. -Yes. Motloung.
[mechanic] Yeah, you can say that again. Hell, that oke is dof.
Dof or not, I'll still watch it.
[Mondy panting, whispering] Sol!
-[man] Pass the sugar. -[Mondy] Solomon!
Thank you.
[coughing]
Where is he?
[prosecutor] Motloung arrives at the door. Please tell the court what happened next.
-He says, "Where is he? Where is he?" -Where is Solomon?
Uh, and we didn't know what he was talking about.
-"Where is he?" He said nothing else? -Just that.
Look, you must understand, we're used to the Bantus just coming to look for work,
or just being bothersome Natives sometimes.
And we los them.
But this oke...
-Where is he? -Who?
-Where is Solomon? -What?
...comes to the door and then...
...he pulls out a machine gun, and he starts shooting.
[Mondy shouts]
-Shit. -His gun stopped. Uh, jammed.
Mr. Kassner and Mr. Wolfendale lay dead on the floor.
Um, when he started shooting, I dropped to the floor and then I started crawling.
And a bullet grazed my arm and I fell under the table.
I... I could see that his gun had jammed, and I said, "Kenny, let's get him."
Kenny, quick! His gun has jammed. Let's get him!
I looked for a...
I found a... um, a steel pipe.
And, um, I... It was on the filing cabinet.
-[metal clangs] -[men shouting indistinctly]
[Mondy screaming] Solomon!
And then I went over to him and I...
I... I hit him.
Solomon! [screams]
-[groaning] Solomon... -[gunshot]
[mechanic] The accused, he came from the back of the warehouse.
Solomon...
But, Your Lordship... [stammers]
I don't know why he's on trial, I mean...
he did nothing, nothing.
He didn't shoot at us or nothing--
Mr. Bragg, that's enough. You may step down.
All rise.
[whispering]
Okay. Today went well.
A key witness of the prosecution clearly stated
you were nowhere near the scene of the shooting when it happened.
That's a win.
In actual fact, he only remembers seeing you after the shooting.
-Exactly. Exactly. -Okay. Let's not get carried away.
Look, get some rest.
How's your foot?
Oh, it's good. Better.
We'll see you tomorrow.
Uh, Mr. Mailer...
Sis Priscilla...
Thank you.
Thank you both.
[door closes]
[indistinct chatter]
[man coughing, breathing raggedly]
Phineus...
[sniffs]
-[sniffs] -Phineus...
do you stay at 1112 Msolozi Street in Middelburg?
[speaks isiZulu]
[interpreter] Yes, that's my home, my lord.
[prosecutor] And do you know the accused, Solomon Mahlangu?
[speaks isiZulu]
-Yes, my lord. He is my cousin. -Right.
And do you remember what happened
on the evening of June the 11th, 1977
at your house?
[speaks isiZulu, clears throat]
[speaking isiZulu]
My lord, Solomon came to my house along with Mondy Motloung and Lucky.
And do you remember, were they carrying anything?
Phineus, were they carrying anything?
[speaks isiZulu, clears throat]
[speaks isiZulu]
They had bags, suitcases and groceries, my lord.
My lord, for the record, Exhibits A1 through 10.
Those are the bags. These are the groceries.
Guns.
Bullets. Grenades.
With which they were going to terrorize the people of South Africa.
Do you recognize this, Phineus?
[sniffs]
-[speaks isiZulu] -Yes. That's an LP, my lord.
I know it's an LP. Who does it belong to?
-[speaks isiZulu] -My lord, Solomon left it at my house.
[prosecutor] Which proves he was there on that day.
Now, Phineus, did Solomon say anything to you?
[crowd whispering]
Phineus, did he say anything to you? My lord, I really need some help here.
Can the witness please speak up?
-[in isiNdebele] Young man, speak up. -I heard!
[sniffs]
[speaks isiZulu]
My lord, he gave us a speech.
Okay... and what did he say in the speech?
[speaking isiZulu]
My lord, he said we should join the ANC so that we could kill the Boers.
[prosecutor] Join the ANC...
so that you can kill white people.
And that was the last thing he said?
No more questions, my lord.
Any questions, Mr. Mailer?
No questions for this witness, my lord.
Witness can step down.
[in isiNdebele] They are done with you. You can step down.
[sobs]
-[doors close] -[sniffs]
[man singing hymn in isiNdebele]
[praying in isiNdebele]
[in English] We ask you, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy...
[in isiNdebele] It's painful for him to have been sold out by Phineus.
Our own blood.
Didn't they say that Mondy is the one who fired?
Yes, Ma.
[in English] But the law of common purpose says...
Solomon is also guilty, even if he didn't shoot at them.
[in isiNdebele] It's their law.
[boots clanking]
[chains clinking]
[door clicks open]
Uh... Brother Lucas.
Brenda.
[in isiNdebele] Um... How's Ma?
She can't hold on anymore.
All of us are struggling with this.
That's why she didn't come to see you.
[sighs]
Ma said I must give you this.
Tell her I said thank you. It will keep me warm.
[Brenda sighs]
So...
I apologize for leaving you on that day.
It's okay, don't worry. It's in the past.
Is everyone doing okay at home?
They are well.
I love you, Brenda.
I love you with all my heart. Always.
-I am scared. -Shh.
Don't be.
When you think of me,
look up at the heavens...
and I'll be with the stars.
-Shh. -[sobs]
We're going to get you out of here.
I know the majority of the warders here.
-What are you talking about? -I'm talking about an escape.
When I get to Mamelodi, I'll talk to Bra Frank.
The windows in these cells are big enough to climb through.
Bra Frank will be waiting for you.
-Brother. Brother. -Brenda. Brenda.
Mm-mm. Mm-mm.
Brother Lucas,
I have caused enough trouble for our family.
-We can get you out. -Shh.
It ends here.
I have accepted it.
It's best you do the same.
I love you all.
It's time.
[Brenda sobbing]
I have to go.
-[Brenda breathes heavily] -[Solomon clears throat]
[handcuffs click]
[Brenda sniffs]
-Shh. -[Lucas sobs]
[Solomon sobs]
[Solomon narrating] We left our homes and went into exile in search of freedom.
But freedom is within.
The MK prepared us for war. But here there were no guns.
-No grenades. No comrades. -[door opens]
-[guard] Mahlangu. The court is ready. -Here there were chains, walls and steel.
This, no one can prepare you for.
This was the final battlefield,
-where we took our last stand. -[door closes]
Will the accused stand.
During the past weeks...
I've heard the state's presentation on the State v. Solomon Mahlangu case.
I do not propose reading all the evidence in my reading of the judgment.
I want to focus on the matter of common purpose.
I want to mention...
that when the accused was presented with the opportunity to flee the scene
with Lucky on June 13th at the taxi rank, he did not.
Allow me to remind you that the accused went out of the republic
on his decision to obtain military training.
And he came back with two of his fellow comrades.
And there can be no doubt that they acted with a common purpose.
They had already, and were, carrying out a common intent.
If the accused had the intention of abandoning the firearm,
or disassociating himself from Mondy Motloung,
he would have run away while at the bottle store section.
In those circumstances, the pulling of the firearm trigger
that caused the death of those two innocent gentlemen
is as much the pulling of the trigger by the accused,
because they shared a common intention and a common purpose.
In those circumstances, we have to come to the conclusion
that there are no extenuating circumstances.
You have been found guilty on all charges.
Is there something you can tell the court before pronouncement of your sentence?
[heart beating]
All we want is freedom.
That's all we want.
Freedom.
Freedom for children to learn.
Freedom for men to work, for mothers to love,
for a nation to grow. That's...
That's all we want.
Equality.
[heart beating continues]
For everyone.
You see... I am just one of many.
A foot soldier.
There will be many, many more to follow.
So there is no court of law...
no police force...
no army
that will stop the tide of revolution from turning.
There is no punishment that you can lay out in this court,
no law your government can pass
that will kill the will of the people.
Because we will fight.
We will continue to fight
until all our people are free.
And maybe we can even free you from yourselves.
So, you can hate us,
degrade us,
torture us and kill us,
but we will fight.
And we will be free.
One day we will be free.
-[in isiZulu] Power! -[sobbing]
[breathing raggedly]
-Power! -Is ours!
Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu...
you are hereby sentenced to death.
You'll be taken to Pretoria Central Prison on a date to be set,
and you will be hanged by your neck until you die.
[gavel pounds]
[slow song in isiZulu playing]
[heart beating]
[doors close]
-[keys clink] -[door clanks]
[handcuffs click]
[scissors cutting]
[music continues]
[Solomon narrating] And finally, Miles Davis said,
"If somebody told me I only had an hour to live,
I would spend it choking a white man.
I would do it nice and slow."
But in my final hour I say this,
"My blood will nourish the tree that will bear the fruits of freedom."
Tell my people I love them and that they must continue the fight.
[in Portuguese] The struggle continues.
[thud]
[woman speaking in isiZulu]
-[man giving speech in isiZulu] -[woman continues speaking]
[man giving speech continues faintly]
[speech fades]
[song in isiZulu plays]
[song ends]