The Chikwambo

written by

John T.Banda

+263774989161
johnmhika@gmail.com
COLD OPEN

EXT. MIDDLE OF NOWHERE - DAWN

TAFADZWA, a young disheveled man (26) is outside in the
middle of nowhere. He is carrying a dead animal, walking
towards a cave like structure. At the mouth of the cave he
finds a WITCH DOCTOR.
The witch doctor is sitting close to a bonfire that's dying
down whilst smoking his pipe tobacco and observing Tafadzwa
as he approaches him. Tafadzwa draws closer and drops the
animal near the fire whilst glancing at the witch doctor.
TAFADZWA
(in shona)
I did what you asked. Now fulfill
your obligations to me.
The witch doctor PUTS his smoking pipe down and RAISES his
handmade sack. The sack wriggles as if there is an animate
object in it. Tafadzwa winces, and almost flees the scene,
but the witch doctor assures him with HAND SIGNALS, that he
has no reason to be afraid.
WITCH DOCTOR
(in shona)
Do not be afraid, this is your
chikwambo. It is going to serve you
well.
Tafadzwa reluctantly moves closer whilst observing the
fidgeting sack. The witch doctor places the sack in his hands
and gives him a stern look.
WITCH DOCTOR (CONT'D)
(in shona)
Your poverty and struggles will
disappear, but remember to feed it.
What you desire will last as long
as you please it.
TAFADZWA
(in shona)
I will follow your instructions
mambo Tigere.
The witch doctor releases the sack into Tafadzwa's hands. The
sack stops wriggling which startles Tafadzwa. He glances at
the witch doctor, concerned about being duped, but the witch
doctor immediately assures him.
 2.

WITCH DOCTOR
(in shona)
Open it and see your gift.
Tafadzwa unwillingly opens and sees what's inside.
END OF COLD OPEN
MAIN TITLE: THE CHIKWAMBO
10 YEARS LATER

INT. MUTASA HOUSE - DINING ROOM - DAY

An older Tafadzwa (36), is well dressed and sitting among his
family members at a table with a lot of food. The atmosphere
is cordial and vibrant, the ideal family fellowship. His
daughter, NOKUTENDA (9), is sitting beside him, all giddy and
excited for her special day.
TAFADZWA
I would like to appreciate all of
you for coming for my daughter's
birthday. Noku is my pride and
joy.She is aging gracefully as you
can see. May the lord bless her
with many more years.
Tafadzwa's wife, MELODY (30), walks in carrying the birthday
cake whilst singing the "happy birthday" song for her
daughter. The rest of the family on the table joins in on the
chant and stop once the cake is placed on the table, right
next to Nokutenda.
TAFADZWA (CONT'D)
Blow the candles away Noku.
Nokutenda blows the candles and the women ululate.

INT. MUTASA HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY

People are mixing and mingling in the lavish home; some
drinking and eating as the occasion continues for the day.
Tafadzwa is engrossed in a conversation with his in-laws.
MAI MELODY
Son, I see that you're taking care
of our daughter. Melody has been
telling me how much you have been
supporting her bakery business. You
see, I knew you were the right
mukwasha.
 3.

TAFADZWA
I am sure your husband disagreed,
but you know what they say,
everyone eventually listens to
reason.
The group chuckles at the casual joke. Melody's father, SIMON
(58) laughs uproariously and then pulls Tafadzwa to the
side. Mai Melody is taken aback by this.
MAI MELODY
Simon what are you...
SIMON
Don't worry, it's just a casual
discussion between men.
The two men stand a few feet away from her.
SIMON (CONT'D)
Tafadzwa, I really respect and
approve everything you managed to
accomplish at your age, but today I
came to ask for that thing. You
know, to cover my farm's...
TAFADZWA
Father, you don't need to worry. I
will pay for it.
Simon's face becomes full of life.
SIMON
Thank you son, may the lord add
more to you.
TAFADZWA
Thank you father.
(whispers)
I will make sure to keep it hush
hush.
Simon nods and returns to his wife. Soon after, a familiar
face calls out Tafadzwa's name. His cousin brother, RICHARD
(33), shows up with his wife, Barbara (29) and with their 2
kids.
RICHARD
Mr Tafadzwa Mutasa, I am so glad I
managed to get here in time buddy.
 4.

TAFADZWA
Liquid Richard, thank you for
coming. I see that you brought the
entire clan with you.
Tafadzwa hugs both Richard and Barbara.
2 KIDS
Hello Baba Mutasa
TAFADZWA
Hello children, how are you?
2 KIDS
We are fine Baba.
BARBARA
I see you are keeping well Baba
Nokutenda.
TAFADZWA
Melody over feeds me.
They both laugh.
RICHARD
Honey could you excuse me for a
bit, I need to talk to Tafadzwa.
BARBARA
Oh...
(pregnant pause)
Children, let's leave your father
with baba Noku.
Barbara and the 2 kids leave the men.
TAFADZWA
Is everything okay?
RICHARD
Not really. Can we go somewhere
private?
TAFADZWA
Sure.

INT. MUTASA HOUSE - WINE CELLAR - DAY

The cellar is filled with a lot of vintage wine racks,
shelving and custom cabinets. Tafadzwa POURS a glass of wine
for Richard, who GULPS it all in one go.
 5.

TAFADZWA
I guess you need a refill?
RICHARD
Yeah.

Tafadzwa pours one more in his glass.

RICHARD (CONT'D)
You're probably wondering why I am
disturbing you?
TAFADZWA
I am sure you have a good reason,
so do tell me what's bothering you?
Hopefully it's not your marriage.
RICHARD
That wouldn't be the worst thing to
happen to me.
(gulps the wine)
I am being investigated for
embezzlement at the company, and so
far it's not looking good. I know
you have connections that can make
certain issues or people disappear,
so I am here to ask you for help.
TAFADZWA
Hmm...
(scratches his head)
You know pulling such favours will
require a lot, like a lot Richard.
You and your partner Mugadza are
fucken idiots. On my daughter's
birthday, you come with your mess.
Your spoil my day with your shit.
Tafadzwa paces around the room and then pauses.
TAFADZWA (CONT'D)
Okay, I will have it sorted, but
you need to behave yourself and not
make things worse. You know I love
you like a brother, but you need to
get you stuff in order.
RICHARD
Thank you Tafadzwa, I really mean
it.
TAFADZWA
Just go to your wife and kids
before I change my mind.
 6.

Richard vacates the cellar, leaving Tafadzwa alone. In a

matter of moments, a dark silhouette of a creature appears
before him, mostly obscured. It is the CHIKWAMBO, which
begins to speak in a distorted voice.
CHIKWAMBO
(in shona)
You spoil your brother with your
kindness. Your love for him, is
enabling his bad habits but you
seem to be okay with that. I know
you will require a sacrifice to
help him.
TAFADZWA
Yes, another distant relative I do
not care about, from my bastard
father's side. That sekuru from
Mutare will do, you can feast on
his flesh.
CHIKWAMBO
(in shona)
I see, but I am no longer satisfied
by the blood of family you do not
love, I want to consume the flesh
of one dear to you.
Tafadzwa's indifferent look quickly turns to dread.
TAFADZWA
You are to consume those who I
choose, we agreed you demon!
CHIKWAMBO
(in shona)
But my requirements have changed.
The blood you have been giving me
has afforded you many pleasures.
Your lifestyle is sustained by me,
but now I need to eat the flesh you
care about.
TAFADZWA
No, this was not part of the
agreement, mambo Tigere...
CHIKWAMBO
(in shona)
The witch doctor has no authority
here! I want the flesh of your
brother Richard. Give me his flesh.
 7.

TAFADZWA
No!
CHIKWAMBO
(in shona)
You know what will happen if you do
not meet my request.
Tafadzwa falls on his knees, to appeal to it
TAFADZWA
(in shona)
Please great chikwambo, I can feed
you an entire village from my clan,
I can raise the number of blood
sacrifices, just don't kill
Richard.
CHIKWAMBO
(in shona)
If you value him more than your
riches, then he will live. The
choice is yours.
The silhouette disappears.
TAFADZWA
No you chikwambo! No!
Tafadzwa lies on the floor, defeated and at a loss of words.
His sister, RUVIMBO (30) suddenly enters the cellar and sees
him lying there. Tafadzwa notices her and remains in his
position.
RUVIMBO
Tafadzwa are you okay, why are you
on your knees?
TAFADZWA
Sister, the chikwambo wants me to
do something that I don't want to
do, but I have no choice.
Ruvimbo quickly CLOSES the door behind her.
RUVIMBO
What's going on, what did it ask
for?
Tafadzwa gives her a blank stare of defeat.
2 WEEKS LATER
 8.

EXT. FUNERAL - DAY

Tafadzwa and the Mutasa family are together, attending
Richard Mutasa's funeral. His open casket is viewed by all;
the women in the family wail as they pass by his coffin.
Tafadzwa is accompanied by his wife to view the body. Melody
breaks into tears, but Tafadzwa struggles to shed any tears,
only making a morbid expression of sadness.
As they leave the vicinity of the coffin, Tafadzwa's eyes
meet with a Ruvimbo who is standing afar with her family. She
gives him an acrimonious look, as if recognizing that he has
committed a crime. Tafadzwa looks at her intently with guilt,
only to look away when his wife tugs at him to continue
moving with her.

INT. RICHARD MUTASA HOME - SITTING ROOM - DAY

Barbara is standing behind a podium with a picture frame of
her deceased husband. Most of the family members and guests
are sitting on plastic seats, listening to her deliver a
closing speech. Tafadzwa is in the middle row with his wife.
Ruvimbo walks into the room and sits next to him. They both
take a glance at each other, but she gives him the cold
shoulder.
BARBARA
I thank you all today, friends and
family members who came today to
support us in our time of need. We
have lost a father, a husband and a
leader in business. Richard left us
too soon, but I am sure we can
learn a lot from what he
accomplished. May his soul rest in
peace.
The group starts to clap briefly for her and women ululate.
BARBARA (CONT'D)
I would like to thank Baba
Nokutenda for contributing and
helping to organize transport for
all our family in Chivhu, Mutare
and Rushinga. Richard had all his
family with him to the end thanks
to this man. We appreciate the
support and aid you have given us
during this trying time. Richard
called you his best friend and as a
friend and brother you have
delivered. Thank you.
 9.

The group claps again and Tafadzwa's wife cuddles him to show
her support. Tafadzwa's sister leaves her seat and walks out.
He notices this and feigns composure.

INT. RICHARD MUTASA HOME - BACKYARD - DAY

The backyard is packed with vehicles from the attendees. Most
of them are inside, listening to the event that's taking
place. Tafadzwa's sister, RUVIMBO (30) comes into the
picture, heading towards her vehicle. Tafadzwa soon follows
behind as she tries to open her car door. He gets close to
her and begins the discourse.
TAFADZWA
Ruvimbo...
Ruvimbo turns around and SLAPS him in the face. He is taken
aback and resists the reflexive urge to retaliate.
TAFADZWA (CONT'D)
Please don't cause a scene here.
RUVIMBO
We are here because of what you did
to Richard, don't you dare speak to
me in that tone.
TAFADZWA
Ruvimbo listen to me, I had no
choice, it was either...
RUVIMBO
Your fortune disappearing or
Richard living. I see where your
priorities are always at Tafadzwa.
You're a despicable person. Funding
our brother's funeral when you're
the one who killed him. You have no
shame.
TAFADZWA
I know I am in the wrong here, but
I had no choice. You know the
wealth I have created affects our
entire family, not just me. For it
to all go away...
RUVIMBO
Tell me something Tafadzwa, if your
chikwambo decides for some reason
that it wants to kill me to appease
it, what will you do?
 10.

Tafadzwa pauses, disarmed by her question, at a loss of

words. She looks at him with discontent.
RUVIMBO (CONT'D)
You're unbelievable. I thought we
had agreed that only our father's
relatives would be sacrificed.
Those backwards people who didn't
support us when father remarried,
where to be sacrificed.
TAFADZWA
I know, but the chikwambo wanted
him, I didn't want it to happen,
but...
(beat)
I don't know what to do Ruvimbo. It
might ask for my wife or daughter,
I could just refuse to sacrifice
anybody but a lot is at stake.
The attendees in the house start to come out, various
individuals heading towards their vehicles.
RUVIMBO
So you haven't considered any other
options?
TAFADZWA
I am afraid Ruvimbo. I am afraid to
make it angry.
Ruvimbo's expression of discontent changes into sympathy for
her brother.
RUVIMBO
Tafadzwa, let's meet at that place,
you know the one where we usually
do our meetings. I think I have an
idea that can solve our problems
for good.
Tafadzwa pauses, at first confused and then realizes what she
means. More people start to show up, entering their vehicles.
TAFADZWA
Okay. When?
RUVIMBO
Tonight.
Ruvimbo ENTERS her vehicle.
 11.

RUVIMBO (CONT'D)
I still won't forgive you Tafadzwa,
but it's clear to me you can't help
yourself.
Tafadzwa walks away as the CACOPHONY of doors opening and
people discussing by their cars occurs. Tafadzwa notices his
wife from the crowd and walks towards her to mingle. Ruvimbo
glares at him as he walks away, witnessing him feign a smile
and composure as he talks to relatives and attendees.

EXT. CHURCH - PARKING - NIGHT

Tafadzwa DRIVES into a turn in his lavish car where he sees a
catholic church and one vehicle parked outside. He pulls
over, gets out of the vehicle, locks the doors and paces
quickly to the entrance.

INT. CHURCH - MAIN AUDITORIUM - NIGHT

Tafadzwa walks towards his sister who is sitting at the front
row seat. He reaches her and begins to engage in dialogue.
TAFADZWA
I made it here. What do you want to
talk about?
RUVIMBO
Does anyone know you are here?
TAFADZWA
No. I just told them I would be
going to the office, to get a few
things.
RUVIMBO
Good, at least your chikwambo won't
suspect anything. Tafadzwa, it's
clear to me that you're playing a
passive role in the matters
concerning the safety of this
family.
TAFADZWA
Excuse me, passive?
RUVIMBO
You stood by, entertained the
request of a demon, going against
our initial agreement for the use
of the chikwambo's power.
(MORE)
 12.
RUVIMBO (CONT'D)
Now it no longer honours the
sacrifices you suggest and it will
definitely, no...
(rising)
It will kill people precious to us,
but you don't know what to do.
Brother, I am done following your
plans. I have decided for myself
what I will do.
TAFADZWA
Ruvimbo what are you plotting?
RUVIMBO
I never cared for my father's
relatives and those backward
sekurus who visited, ate our
mother's food and treated her like
shit after the separation, but
Richard was our brother. He had
issues with scheming money but he
was our brother. I want the
chikwambo dead Tafadzwa.
TAFADZWA
Ruvimbo don't say that out loud.
RUVIMBO
Why? Are you afraid? It can't hear
us in here. This is sacred ground
so I can declare my vengeance upon
it without fear.
TAFADZWA
Ruvimbo, the beast can't be killed.
Even if we could, all our assets,
the businesses, they will
disappear.
RUVIMBO
At least you are admitting that's
all you care about.
Ruvimbo promptly attempts to SMACK Tafadzwa in the face,but
he restrains her this time. Ruvimbo's eyes become bloodshot
with rage as she tries to FORCE the restrained hand to move.
TAFADZWA
Ruvimbo stop this, I don't want to
quarrel with you.
Ruvimbo finally GIVES OUT, fuming as she tries to get her
composure. Tafadzwa looks at her gravely, prepping for
another assault if she decides to go for an opening.
 13.

Ruvimbo takes a seat, breathes in and out and waits for him
to join her on the empty seat next to her. Tafadzwa sits next
to his sister and tries to get close, but she brushes him
off.
RUVIMBO
I have a plan that can help us kill
the chikwambo.
TAFADZWA
Not this crazy talk again Ruvimbo.
RUVIMBO
Listen to me, I know a n'anga who
can deal with the chikwambo.
Someone who is experienced who has
done wonders for other families.
The wealth we have won't disappear,
but the n'anga will require a
serious sacrifice. Something big
for him to pull this off. All we
need to do is provide him with
sacrifices, fattened cows, a lot.
You need to at least give him half
of the cows from one of your farms.
TAFADZWA
Half, are you out of your fucken
mind?
RUVIMBO
Tafadzwa. This is not the time. I
am fed up as it is.
TAFADZWA
Why can't you sacrifice your own
cows as well?
RUVIMBO
Because I am not the one contracted
with the chikwambo. It needs to
come out of your pocket. That's the
deal. We can't delay any longer and
wait for your chikwambo buddy to
pick another family member we love.
You need to be on board Tafadzwa,
we need to address this problem
now.
TAFADZWA
How can you be so sure? What if the
witch doctor can't actually pull it
off?
 14.

RUVIMBO
I am more than sure Tafadzwa. I am
more than sure as well that you are
looking for any excuse to avoid
having to deal with this issue. We
can't sustain coexisting with the
chikwambo anymore. Richard is the
first and the last. I know what
could happen if we mess up, It's
not just me but my husband and
children could be affected. You
need to be on board.
Tafadzwa STANDS UP and paces around, engaging in mental
activity. Ruvimbo observes him, in wonder of what he will
decide to do. He turns to face her and speaks.
TAFADZWA
I will do it. I will follow through
with your plan but I need to know
every step so that I can prepare.
Ruvimbo looks at him with mixed emotions, a bit of rage and
delight in his decision.
RUVIMBO
Okay this is how we will do it.

INT./EXT. TAFADZWA'S VEHICLE – ON THE ROAD - NIGHT [DRIVING]

Tafadzwa drives with intent, taking out his phone to make a
phone call.
RUVIMBO (V.O.)
We will go to Nyanga to meet the
witch doctor in person, but you
need to have the cows delivered to
him well before we meet him.
TAFADZWA
(into phone)
Thomas, I know it's sudden but I
need you to pack 50 of my cows.
(beat)
Yes I know I should tell you in
advance, but I need you to do this
now.
(beat)
You fucken do it or I will have you
and your family gone from the farm.
Just get it done!
 15.

Tafadzwa hangs up the phone and breathes in and out, trying

to maintain his composure.

EXT. MUTASA HOME - BACKYARD - NIGHT

Tafadzwa drives into his lavish home and PARKS in the garage.
RUVIMBO (V.O.)
Don't let Melody know where you
will be going. Tell her it's an
emergency business trip. Make sure
you mention nothing about where we
are actually going.

INT. MUTASA HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Tafadzwa walks in, carrying documents in hand. He heads to
the kitchen and OPENS the fridge. He takes one beer and
imbibes it quickly as if driven by a desire to numb his
anxiety. The sound of his wife's FOOTSTEPS echo in the house.
Melody climbs down the stairs and meets her husband
downstairs in the living room.
MELODY
Hey honey. You came back sooner.
Tafadzwa goes to his wife and embraces her, intimately.
TAFADZWA
I ended up finding the files pretty
quickly.
MELODY
You haven't hugged me like this in
a while Tafadzwa. I do miss it
though.
TAFADZWA
Is Noku asleep?
MELODY
Yes. I put our little experiment to
bed. She was well behaved today.
TAFADZWA
She gets your manners from you.
MELODY
She will definitely inherit your
achievements when she is older
 16.

They embrace for a while until Melody makes use of her female
intuition.
MELODY (CONT'D)
Is there something wrong?
TAFADZWA
No, nothing. Just that I have to
make an emergency business trip
tomorrow morning. Maxwell managed
to get one of the CFOs of that
business park to come, so I will
need to travel.
MELODY
Where are you going?
TAFADZWA
Rusape.
MELODY
Oh...
(beat)
I will tell the maid to prepare
your wardrobe for tomorrow.
TAFADZWA
Thanks honey, I need to just put
these documents in the study.
MELODY
Sure, just don't take to long, I
will keep the bed warm for you.
Tafadzwa smiles and goes up the stairs.

INT. MUTASA HOUSE - STUDY ROOM - NIGHT

Tafadzwa enters the room, which is poorly lit and places his
documents on a table. The silhouette of the chikwambo
appears, and its menacing eyes can be seen in the dark.
CHIKWAMBO
(in shona)
Good evening Mr Mutasa. How was the
funeral today?
Tafadzwa remains silent.
CHIKWAMBO (CONT'D)
(in shona)
You're angry about me consuming
him? Is that the case?
(MORE)
 17.
CHIKWAMBO (CONT'D)
You have the comfort of your
wealth. You will soon forget about
it, like you always do.
Tafadzwa turns around to leave, but the light turns off.
CHIKWAMBO (CONT'D)
(in shona)
You went to a church today with
your sister. Why?
TAFADZWA
She has turned to prayer, she wants
me to pray as well.
CHIKWAMBO
(in shona)
Prayer?
The chikwambo breaks into twisted laughter, one with a
sinister timbre.
CHIKWAMBO (CONT'D)
(in shona)
You're not a man of god. You don't
believe in him. The almighty did
not give you your wealth. I am the
one who gives to the one who serves
me sacrifices. I am your god.
Remember that Tafadzwa.
Tafadzwa walks out of the study room.

INT. MUTASA HOUSE - MASTER BEDROOM - NIGHT

Tafadzwa enters the room and finds his wife in bed, wearing a
night gown. He quickly strips down into his boxers and joins
her in bed. He cuddles with her and begins a discourse.
TAFADZWA
Melody, do you ever wonder what you
would do if I died?
MELODY
Honey where is this coming from?
TAFADZWA
Just answer me.
MELODY
Well it's a rather frightening
question to ask your wife.
(MORE)
 18.
MELODY (CONT'D)
But I am sure, I would really be
sad and I would miss you a lot.
Noku would miss you a lot as well.
TAFADZWA
That's not answering the question.
MELODY
Well you have your will written
down, so financially we would be
safe, I don't think I would remarry
for a while. If that's what you're
worried about.
TAFADZWA
It would be such a waste for a
beauty like you to no remarry.

MELODY
Baba Noku don't make me laugh, the
last thing a man want's to think
about is his replacement. Anyways,
hopefully you don't have any
stories like Richard. I know this
is sensitive, but Richard left his
family in financial trouble because
of his money deals. I am glad you
chipped in like you always do, but
if you did die, it would be cruel
if you left us with financial
troubles.
TAFADZWA
Well that won't happen. I am a
legitimate business man.
MELODY
Yes you are.
Melody starts to kiss her husband,increasingly becoming
intimate as they snuggle and cover themselves with the
sheets.

INT./EXT. TAFADZWA'S VEHICLE – ON THE ROAD - MORNING

Tafadzwa drives along the highway with his sister riding
shotgun. They both have a stern look, gripped by the risk and
reward of what they want to achieve.
RUVIMBO
Tafadzwa.
 19.

TAFADZWA
Yes?
RUVIMBO
When this is all over; the ritual
and exchange with the witch doctor,
I don't want to see you or have you
near my kids anymore.
TAFADZWA
What are you saying? You don't want
me to be around my nieces? There is
no reason for extremes.
RUVIMBO
No, there is. Once we settle this
chikwambo issue, I am parting ways
and I won't be in touch. You have
to face the consequences for what
you did to Richard.
Tafadzwa is agape, conflicted by her scathing words, but he
averts his attention towards the road. He continues to drive
passing the mountainous vistas that surround them.

EXT. NYANGA - MIDDLE OF NOWHERE - SUNSET

The terrain is covered with cows that are grazing grass,
mindlessly indulging in their activity. Tafadzwa is SITTING
by a bonfire with his sister.The OLD WITCH DOCTOR sits
opposite them, chanting random intelligible words. Tafadzwa
looks at the performance, agitated by the fact that he has to
wait for the shaman to finish his preliminary actions.
Ruvimbo notices the unease in Tafadzwa, but ignores it. The
witch doctor starts to WAIL and then STOPS abruptly.
OLD WITCH DOCTOR
(in shona)
The spirits are pleased by the
gifts you have blessed me with.
They will aid in lifting your
contract with the chikwambo and in
keeping your wealth. But I will
need an additional sacrifice to add
the substitute spirit required to
sustain your wealth.
Both Ruvimbo and Tafadzwa stare at the man, puzzled by his
statement.
 20.

RUVIMBO
(in shona)
Excuse, mambo Taisvoto, what do you
mean by "By substitute spirit"?
OLD WITCH DOCTOR
(in shona)
The wealth of Mr. Mutasa has mostly
been artificially attributed by the
influence of the chikwambo. The
wealth that came from Mr. Mutasa's
influence is not that much. Killing
a deity that has the title deeds to
your wealth will mean it
disappearing. Another spirit will
need to take ownership on behalf of
the fallen chikwambo for Mr. Mutasa
to keep the majority of his wealth.
A benign one that does not require
blood.
TAFADZWA
Ruvimbo, wasn't what you told me to
provide enough? What is this n'anga
saying?
Ruvimbo is taken aback, shame cast on her face.
RUVIMBO
(in shona)
Mambo Taisvoto, my brother provided
you with everything we agreed on,
why do you require an additional
sacrifice?
OLD WITCH DOCTOR
(in shona)
The cows were enough to pay me to
perform the task. Maintaining his
wealth and creating a substitute
spirit will need an additional
sacrifice
TAFADZWA
This is bullshit. Ruvimbo, don't
tell me you are buying this? The
man raised an additional price
without telling us. Why?
OLD WITCH DOCTOR
(in shona)
Mr. Mutasa, you would not have come
if the additional price was stated
in the sacrifice amount.
(MORE)
 21.
OLD WITCH DOCTOR (CONT'D)
For me to fulfill this last part of
the incantation you will need to
forgo half of your wealth.
Tafadzwa RISES and immediately heads off, leaving both his
sister and the old witch doctor. Ruvimbo tags along, YANKS
him from behind and gives him her piece of mind.
RUVIMBO
We are not leaving Tafadzwa, we
need to settle this now.
TAFADZWA
The chikwambo isn't taking half of
my wealth, your greedy n'anga is.
This was a mistake. I am not
parting with half of mine. No, not
a single fucken cent.
Ruvimbo STRIKES her brother, but he is not moved at all.
Tears pour out of her eyes profusely, as he WALKS away.
RUVIMBO
I will pay your fucken half!
Tafadzwa pauses and turns back to witness his sister, rushing
back to the old witch doctor. Ruvimbo gets close the old
witch, with dire intent arresting her frame.
RUVIMBO (CONT'D)
(in shona)
Mambo Taisvoto, can I make use of
my own finances on behalf of my
brother's half?
OLD WITCH DOCTOR
(in shona)
My child, it is acceptable, but you
will be in poverty for a long time.
Is this what you want?
Ruvimbo hesitates, her face gripped with fright but she
clears her throat.
RUVIMBO
(in shona)
Do it.
The old witch doctor NODS in agreement and takes out a few
accessories. He begins to chant and the BONFIRE INTENSIFIES.
Ethereal sounds of spirits reverberate all around. Tafadzwa
is startled and CRINGES in fear. As he quivers, he rushes
towards his sister.
 22.

TAFADZWA
Is it working?
RUVIMBO
I don't know.
A few moments pass and the old witch doctor becomes SILENT.
He is entranced, eyes WIDE OPEN and devoid of expression. As
the two siblings observe him, he suddenly CONVULSES and
COUGHS OUT blood. The old witch doctor falls to his feet,
leaving the siblings with a look of horror and despair. An
all too familiar voice starts to resonate from the old witch
doctor's corpse.
CHIKWAMBO (V.O.)
(in shona)
I thought we were friends Mr.
Mutasa. I see now that we are truly
enemies.
Ruvimbo FALLS to her feet and grabs onto her neck,
suffocating from an unknown source. The old witch doctor body
rises and speaks, but with the chikwambo's voice.
CHIKWAMBO
(in shona)
You have been mislead Mr. Mutasa.
Your sister is against what we have
accomplished together. The flesh
you have served me, the money you
have made, all of it is ours. No
pathetic witch doctor has dominion
over me.
TAFADZWA
What are you doing to her, stop
it...
Tafadzwa falls to his knees and gets a light strangulation
from an unknown source.
CHIKWAMBO
(in shona)
You have angered me son of Muronda
Mutasa, so much that I wish to slay
your entire family. Your beautiful
wife and innocent daughter. I will
feast on their flesh.
TAFADZWA
No, please
(in shona)
(MORE)
 23.
TAFADZWA (CONT'D)
Chikwambo, please forgive me, I
will do anything to amend my
mistake. I will make it right,
please show mercy.
CHIKWAMBO
(in shona)
Don't you wish to end our contract?
Isn't that what you desire?
TAFADZWA
(in shona)
No, that's not my intent.
CHIKWAMBO
(in shona)
Lies!
Tafadzwa TIPS OVER to the side, GASPING for air.
TAFADZWA
(in shona)
Okay, I have lied oh great
chikwambo, I do wish to end our
contract but I don't want my money
and possessions to go.
CHIKWAMBO
(in shona)
I see, you want the best of both
worlds, a greedy human with no
sense for consequences.
(laughs)
I will entertain your request.
Choose to either die here and have
your family inherit all your wealth
or sacrifice your sister and her
entire family to me. Her husband,
children and in-laws. Do it for me
to end our contract and for you to
keep your wealth.
Tafadzwa's loses strength in that moment and observes Ruvimbo
who is struggling to breath. Ruvimbo DARTS her eyes at her
brother, dealing with the suffocation as she sheds tears.
TAFADZWA
(in shona)
Isn't there another way?
CHIKWAMBO
(in shona)
Do not test me, decide now!
 24.

Tafadzwa breaks into tears and crawls towards his sister.

RUVIMBO
Tafadzwa, please...
(coughing)
Don't kill my babies, please.
TAFADZWA
Ruvimbo, I know you think I am a
despicable person and that I love
money more than anything else, but
I will make it right this time. I
am sorry.
RUVIMBO
Please Tafadzwa, if you kill them I
will curse you in the grave.
(in shona)
I will curse your entire offspring.
TAFADZWA
I am not going to sacrifice you and
your family. I need to atone for my
sins. I made a contract with it, so
I should end it.
(shouts in shona)
Take me chikwambo.
The body of the old witch doctor collapses and Ruvimbo's
strangulation is lifted. Tafadzwa starts to CONTORT and
CONVULSE, foam building up in his mouth as his eyes become
bloodshot. He WRIGGLES and then quickly loses animation and
DIES. Ruvimbo wakes up and RUSHES towards her deceased
brother. She holds onto his lifeless corpse, WAILING.
RUVIMBO
Tafadzwa, Tafadzwa!
CHIKWAMBO (V.O.)
(in shona)
You still have your wealth and your
brother's family still has it's
wealth. Was it worth it?
Ruvimbo continues to wail as the night descends into
darkness.

INT./EXT. TAFADZWA'S VEHICLE – ON THE ROAD - NIGHT

Ruvimbo drives off into the night, DISTRAUGHT and DOWER. The
corpse of her deceased brother lies at the back seat.
FADE OUT.
 25.

THE END.