The next week passes quickly as Kefe tries to push all other worries out of her mind and concentrate on her exams. The mood at home is different with Ra-Maleka away, and Ma-Maleka seems to be growing in energy and in self-confidence every day. She is even singing some of Gogo’s old songs while she’s working.
On Friday Ms Seanego tells Kefentše that she has received a phone call from Maki’s mother. Maki returned home and told her parents everything that happened to her, and they want to meet the investigators. And not ten minutes later, as she’s leaving school with Tshereletšo, Posh calls her aside.
“I’ve decided to help you against Pootona. I don’t want you to become like me. Living a two-way life is not so easy as it looks. But I’ll only do it if the Department promises to keep my name out of it, and that I don’t have to go to the hearing.”
*****
On Monday the investigators’ car is already at school when Kefentše arrives to write her exam, but they only ask to see her later in the day. They thank her for speaking to the other witnesses, and tell her that Maki’s testimony will greatly strengthen their case against Mr Pootona. Posh will write her testimony in front of a Commissioner of Oaths, in town. Because she cannot be questioned on it (cross-examined) the testimony is not as strong, but it will strengthen Kefentše’s allegation. And it adds another accusation against Mr Pootona to the list.
The male investigator explains:
“I will be the Prosecutor at the hearing. I’ll present the evidence against Mr Pootona, and then call in witnesses one by one. I’ll ask them to explain what happened or what they saw. Then the defendant’s representative can cross-examine each witness. This can be tough because he will try to show that they are lying, or that they have made a mistake. But in this case the evidence is so strong that I doubt if Mr Pootona’s representative will have much to say.”
Early the following Monday Kefentše and Tshereletšo travel through to the district offices of the DoE with Ms Seanego. Maki and her parents travel with Mr Sebego. They meet the investigator and he settles them in a comfortable room. A little later a woman psychologist comes to speak to Maki and her parents and they leave the room for a while. When they come back they explain that the psychologist is going to help Maki present her testimony.
Kefentše is the first witness to be called and sworn to tell the truth. She knows Mr Pootona and his representative are there, in the room, but she doesn’t look at them. The Prosecutor then asks her to tell the Presiding Officer exactly what happened between her and Mr Pootona.
Kefentše has been through this in her head so many times that it comes out without difficulty. She ends by adding something new: the conversation she overheard between her stepfather and Mr Pootona. The Presiding Officer then invites Mr Pootona’s representative to cross-examine.
For the first time Kefentše looks across at their table and sees them huddled together. Mr Pootona is whispering urgently and looking frustrated – perhaps even frightened. The Presiding Officer repeats his request, irritated. The representative apologises then turns to Kefentše.
Representative: Ms Maleka, do you make a habit of lying?
Kefe: No, Sir.
Representative: But you admit you lied to your parents about the school trip being free?
Kefe: Yes, but as I explained, I didn’t want to embarrass my stepfather.
Representative: So did you tell your stepfather what you claim happened on the school trip?
Kefe: No, Sir.
Representative: So you lied to him again?
Kefe: No, I told my mother.
Representative: And did your mother believe you?
Kefe: Not at first, but now she believes me.
Representative: And what did you buy with the money you claim Mr Pootona gave you?
Kefe: Nothing. I didn’t want his money…
Representative: Nothing! You tell us your family is very poor, that your father is not working, and that you receive R100 but you do not spend it. I find this very hard to believe. And this sheep that you say Mr Pootona promised your father, have you seen it, or eaten it perhaps?
Kefe: No. My stepfather has gone to the city to look for work.
Representative: How very convenient. I have no more questions for this witness.
The Presiding Officer invites the Prosecutor to re-examine the witness.
Prosecutor: Kefentše, do you still have the money that Mr Pootona gave you?
Kefe: Yes.
Prosecutor: Do you have it with you?
Kefe: Yes, it’s here in this envelope. Two R50 and a R100.
Prosecutor: Thank you, Kefentše. No more questions.
The Presiding Officer thanks Kefentše, and the Prosecutor leads her out of the room, telling her that she did very well. He asks Ms Seanego to come with him as his next witness. Mr Sebego is next, then Tshereletšo, and finally Maki. She returns sobbing and her parents and the psychologist take her to another room to comfort her.
During the break for lunch Ms Seanego and Mr Sebego mark exam papers and Kefentše and Tshereletšo read magazines. Maki comes back with her parents and seems more relaxed.
She and Kefentše go together to the toilet and Maki tells her that the psychologist has advised them on claiming child maintenance from Mr Pootona.
“We have to make a civil case and get DNA proof that the baby is his. My parents are being so kind now. They are going to help with the baby so I can go back to school. I must really thank you, Kefe.”
“There’s no need to thank me. When I think of what you’ve been through … I don’t know if I would have had your courage.”
At three o’clock the Prosecutor comes in briefly to tell them that the Presiding Officer has found Mr Pootona guilty. Shortly after that he returns – Pootona has been dismissed!
“Thank you all for being witnesses, especially Kefentše and Maki who have been so strong and shown such determination.”
Maki and her parents leave with Mr Sebego and an excited Ms Seanego invites Kefentše and Tshereletšo for chips and a cooldrink to celebrate. Then she notices Kefe’s expression.
Ms Seanego: What is it, Kefe? Why aren’t you happy?
Kefe: It just doesn’t feel like enough punishment for what he did. I am thinking of that poor girl who killed herself, Rachel. About how Maki has suffered, and what he has put me through…
Ms Seanego: You’re right, it doesn’t. But remember, he’s not only dismissed, he can never work again as a teacher. And if Maki and her parents take him to court for child maintenance he will most likely be charged with statutory rape because she was underage when he made her pregnant. It’s not over for Mr Pootona yet! I promise you – he’ll suffer for what he’s done.
***