Inkabi (2024) Movie Script

1
It's scorching hot.
I tell you.
This weather is from the devil.
The devil himself.
Thank you very much.
Pardon. Pardon me, gentlemen.
Well, I think my time is up.
Goodbye, friends.
The agreement to assassinate and kill
is the most important code of all.
Holy amongst all the Zulu hitmen.
It's not just the money which does that.
But it's the actual vow itself,
created by the hitmen
to become a part of a long-term
and sacred brotherhood of hitmen.
Their purpose is to keep
the balance of power.
This has been the pure truth
for many years
since the rise of the Zulu nation.
When I was growing up,
my mother told me a secret in a whisper,
which I knew was true.
She said the city is no place
for a small farm girl like me.
She said...
"The city is full of demons
and wolves in sheep's clothing."
They were living among us.
Those people had the power
to lead other people astray.
Big Time Casino.
Please, I've gotta go. I've gotta go.
But in the same breathe,
she would say there are guardians too.
It's at the corner
of Claim and Diagonal, yeah?
I know the place.
Always looking over
your shoulder when you're not.
Today, Mzi, please. Today. Today.
Hello Lauren.
Yes, yes, yes. Today's a great day.
Yeah,
tomorrow is going to be a good day.
Yeah, I've been ready for so long.
I promise. I promise you
I'm going to be on time.
Eight o'clock sharp, I'll be there.
No, I know she's going
to be home tomorrow.
Yes.
Hey Lauren?
Thank you so much.
No, come on.
No, no, no. Not you Lauren...
Thanks, thanks.
Thanks for the phone call, hey.
Sharp sharp.
Dude, driving Miss Daisy.
What are you doing, it was orange.
Orange means you press on.
No, it was red.
The light was or... fuck.
The light was fucking orange.
Hey, hey hey!
Hey, wait man. Wait, man!
Hey young lady!
You're 20 rand short.
You're full of shit.
Hey, hey.
Don't come hoot at me with that car.
Hey! I'll beat you up.
I'll hit you. Break those legs of yours.
Hey hey. Lucy. Lucy. Lucy.
What's happening?
Marco, look, I swear it wasn't my fault.
You see the taxi driver that I took
said that he knew a shortcut.
So we decided to go on
that shortcut but then...
Lucy. There's always an excuse.
If you're not here,
this table is not making any money.
That means Big Time Casino
is not making any money.
That means Marco is not making money.
- Marco, it's only five minutes.
- Are you going to pay for that?
You know you don't pay us enough.
- You're working a double shift.
- Marco, no, please. I can't.
Tomorrow I have this important thing
I have to do, please.
More important than your job, Lucy?
No.
It's your last warning.
Asshole.
Hey! If you want to mess around,
you're more than welcome
to work in the pleasure room.
Understood?
Shit, I'm late.
High court, please. Hurry.
Is that you?
You thieving girl.
No, no look. I have,
I have your money, please.
Here is your money, here it is.
Too late for that.
Do you want...
I can give you more money.
Look, I need to be in court today, please.
My daughter is waiting for me
and I have to be there for the hearing
or else I'm going to lose her.
Please.
Girl.
I'm sorry.
I'm sure there will be
another taxi coming soon.
Please. I am begging you.
Hey, put your money away, man.
I'm desperate.
Everybody is in a hurry to get somewhere.
You just have to wait for your turn.
And if you can excuse me,
I've got another client to pick up.
Please, Sir.
I'm begging you.
- No, man.
- Please.
Get out of my taxi, please.
What's your name?
Frank. I'm going to report you, Frank.
Shit.
You're late.
Man, I'm so... I'm sorry.
Come, let's go.
Lauren, is everything okay?
Is Angela okay?
Everything is fine.
There's no guarantee
what the verdict will be.
I just want to make sure
that you're prepared and you know that.
But you said there's no reason
they'll keep her away from me.
I'm her mother and I've done
everything you've asked me to.
I know what they said.
Just don't screw this up.
Accept whatever the verdict
and we'll deal with it from there.
My baby.
Let me look at you.
You've grown so much.
- I don't know what's happening here.
- Baby, listen to me, listen hey.
Everything is going to be okay.
We're going to be fine.
You're going to be okay.
I've come to take you home.
It's time.
- Wait. Please.
- Just give me one minute.
Please.
Mama, wait. Wait.
Please just give me one second.
Please.
Lucy Komosa.
Yes, Ma'am.
Firstly,
it's important and my responsibility
to think about the safety of Angela.
She's a young woman.
My reasoning is that the events
that took place were unfortunate
and shouldn't have been taken lightly.
It is true that every child
needs her mother.
And that sometimes mistakes happen.
But with that said.
I'm not of the opinion that the incident
that occurred was a mistake.
But rather negligence.
It is my opinion that you
should have been prosecuted.
But that is not why we are here.
We are here to answer one question.
Are you fit enough to look after Angela?
My answer, unfortunately, is no.
I see it necessary that Angela
should remain in custody of the state.
Until a time when you can
prove that you are ready
for the responsibility of raising a child.
Till such a time comes,
the court will be more
than willing to listen to your case.
Thank you, your worship.
I beg you, please, I need my baby.
Compose yourself.
Compose yourself, Miss Komosa.
The decision is final.
It would be irresponsible to let
the child back into your custody.
The negative environment
will rob her of a normal upbringing.
Would you please listen...
I'm her mother. Please, Ma'am, please.
I'm her mother please, I've done
everything you've asked me to do.
Why are you punishing me?
Leave me the fuck alone!
Lucy, please.
Calm down.
Lucy.
I fucked up, didn't I?
Everything is going to be okay.
Focus on
renewing your extended permit.
Find a suitable job.
Apply for citizenship and within
a year or two we can appeal the decision.
What? A year or two.
Lucy, we have to be patient.
We have to work on
regaining the lost trust.
Lay off the drugs.
Sober up.
Show them you're willing to put in
the hard work to be a good mother.
That's how we get Angela back.
A year or two?
All bets.
All bets.
All...
All bets in.
Final bets.
And seven red.
Fuck you smiling at?
Do you see anything funny here?
I'm sorry, Ma'am,
I'm just trying to do my job.
You fucking unlucky bitch.
- I bet on your pussy, you are unlucky man.
- Sorry, Ma'am.
You have to leave now.
When is the last time you got
shagged by a man properly?
I bet never.
Stupid girl...
Do you believe in luck?
Twenty thousand rand.
Color?
Red.
For love.
Spinning.
What's your name?
Where are you from?
You don't talk?
If you've come to try and score a date,
I think you're at the wrong table.
The stripper table is over there.
I just want to talk.
Final bets.
All in.
I'm feeling lucky.
Spinning.
I lost something today
which I used to hold very dear
but I took it for granted all the time.
Now there is no way of getting it back.
Maybe lady luck is on your side.
Maybe you should change your life.
Money doesn't change lives, it ruins them.
No more bets.
Twenty-two black.
Again.
Forty thousand rand.
Spinning.
All in.
So why do you play
if winning means nothing to you?
Winning always matters.
There are some things
that are worth more than money.
How? Money gets you everything.
Like what?
A good livelihood.
I wouldn't mind
a good apartment, a car.
I wouldn't have to taxi everywhere.
Better yet, I could buy my freedom.
You can't buy freedom.
Who says?
No more bets.
Thirty-four red.
The house always wins.
And all we can do to drown our sorrow
is party like there's no tomorrow.
What do you say?
No, not this time.
You're full of shit!
Fuck, man!
Shit!
You're full of shit!
You're full of shit!
You're full of shit!
I'm sorry, I'm sorry!
- Fuck, man!
- Wait wait!
You're lying to me,
you were with another guy.
Leave me...
Please, I was with my mom.
Who was it? Who?
You girl?
You are not from here.
I'm originally from Kenya.
I was born in a...
In a small village near Mombasa.
Lamu.
When my parents separated,
me and my mother moved to Nairobi.
That's where I grew up.
I came here years ago
en route to New York.
Where my dreams still await me.
Lamu.
By the seaside.
Yeah.
Palm trees.
Have you been to Kenya?
No. I've seen some pictures.
Breathtaking.
I'm sure you're wondering
why somebody would leave paradise?
People leave paradise all the time.
But there's never a reason
good enough to never return.
The shame.
There's no hole big enough
to hide my shortcomings.
Disappointments.
Broken promises.
Countless failures as a mother.
Until there's just...
there's just no going back.
The picture you were looking at?
My daughter.
She looks just like you.
Very strong.
She's a warrior.
You know it's never too late.
You're a young girl.
It is for me.
After the vow,
the Inkabi speaks to
his ancestors for support.
For protection.
And for guidance on his mission.
Nothing can stand
between him and his target.
Even if his blood brother
stands in his way,
he would have to suffer his wrath.
The wrath of a Zulu hitman
which would befall him.
We are here to answer one question,
a re you fit enough to look after Angela?
I know and I cannot wait.
I need to talk to him right now,
it's very important.
I don't care what he's doing.
I can't live
with the shame of what I've done.
I don't care if I go to jail.
And I don't care if the truth comes out.
Well, you give me an assurance,
you call off the hit right now
or I will call the police.
I tell them everything.
Okay, think, think.
Lucy, think, think.
Who you gonna call.
Think, think, think.
Hello.
Frank. Frank. Frank, it's Lucy.
Lucy.
- What's wrong?
- Someone's trying to kill me.
- Why?
- I need your help.
Lucy? Where... Where are you?
Anderson and Ferdinand.
Lucy?
- Anderson and...
- Lucy?
- And Ferdinand.
- Hello.
- Hello?
- Ca... Car park. Ca...
Car pa... Hello? Ca...
Fuck! Shit!
Lucy?
Is that you, my brother?
It's really you, our elder?
You're still alive?
It's... It's okay, it's okay, it's okay.
- What happened?
- You passed out and I found you.
The bullet missed you by inches.
Keep the pressure on it.
Girl.
What kind of trouble are you in?
It's nothing. It's nothing.
Thank you so much for helping me.
I owe you one.
Frank, don't look at me like that.
Why is somebody trying to kill you?
I don't know what you're talking about.
Come on.
Perhaps you'll be able to
explain it to the police.
No, no police. No, no, no.
No police, please.
Girl.
You better start talking.
Frank, what the hell is that?
Girl.
It's none of my business.
Does it still burn?
Okay.
Okay. Take this.
What is this?
Just something to take the pain away.
Are you trying to kill me?
No, I need to go to work.
I have my shift starting in one hour.
- I need to go.
- No.
You need to sleep.
He looked right at me.
His eyes were cold.
And lifeless.
And he had a scar across his face.
Frank, he saw me.
He looked right at me.
You're safe now.
Thank you.
You saved my life tonight.
I did what needed to be done.
My protector.
What did you say?
It's...
It means "my protector" in Swahili.
Where I come from
when somebody saves your life,
they become your protector.
You're bonded.
Until you return the favor, of course.
Okay.
My protector.
After the vow,
there is no changing
or turning back.
Dying in battle is the only way
to release him from the vow.
I've been sent to kill this girl.
Let me do my job.
Leave me!
Let me finish the job I've come to do.
Hitmen don't hate each other.
They don't kill another hitman.
This is such a big job for me.
Let me finish, let me finish the job.
News, news in the paper. Come and get it.
Here we go.
- How are you, man?
- I'm good.
Lucy.
Lucy?
I'll be downstairs to get some milk.
What? Say it again.
I'll be downstairs at the shop.
Okay, okay. I'm almost done.
Okay.
News in the paper, news over here.
Thanks but no thanks.
The cops can't help people like me.
So I guess I'm on my own.
I'll take it from here.
I hope you understand.
PS. Here's my home number.
And again, thank you.
My protector.
Sure, my people.
Two goals. Score, my boy.
Are you good, my man?
Sure, my man. Millionaire found
dead in his mansion. My sister...
Girl?
No, listen, Marco, I swear.
I'm literally in the cab right now.
I'm on... No...
It's not my fault though.
No, I'm gonna explain everything
when I come, okay, everything.
- Hey Lucy.
- Hey Sarah.
Hey!
Hey Lucy.
It's Frank. Can you hear me?
Get out of there right now.
Your life is in danger.
My brother...
Why are you going against
the code to protect this girl?
Hey, Scar.
Is that you?
Listen, there is nothing
you can do, my brother.
The girl is going to die.
Even if it's not me,
in the end, she will die.
The decision has been made.
Don't fight me.
You're going against the hitman's code.
You're going against what
we were taught as young warriors.
You went against our ancestors.
You're calling death upon yourself.
You'll die by the spear.
You hear what I'm saying?
You are cursed.
I will tell you one thing.
You're dead to me.
You're dead.
I will be honored.
Today will be your last breath.
Slowly. Slowly.
Until you die.
- Hello.
- Lucy.
He was in my flat.
I ran.
Did he follow you?
I don't know.
- I don't know, I don't know, I don't know.
- Lucy, go to a safe place.
Okay, okay. Yeah. Yeah.
I thought I told you no police.
What you saw at Saul's place
was a hit.
And the man you're running away from
is an Inkabi.
Inkabi?
Yes.
A hitman.
And now you are next on his list.
He knows who you are.
Where you live
and he won't stop until you are dead.
Report it to the police
and the police will protect you.
Can I have one?
Put yourself in my shoes,
listening to this.
I'm sure even you will agree
this is somewhat of a tall tale.
Hard to believe.
I'm telling you the truth.
I saw it with my own eyes.
He did not commit suicide.
He was murdered.
How did you know the deceased?
He was a business associate.
Look, I work at Big Time Casino,
I'm a dealer there.
And he's one of my clients.
I assume that's when he asked you out?
Or was it a business agreement?
How dare you.
Answer the question.
- He wanted some company.
- Of course.
How did you end up at his place?
I don't remember.
We were having fun and we were drinking...
And it's a bit of a blur.
But you remember clearly
that he didn't kill himself?
That someone came out of the shadows
and strangled him right in front of you.
- Look, I...
- No, no, no.
On that night when things were blurry.
- Were you using drugs?
- No, I'm clean.
No history of substance usage?
Yes, but I've been clean for five years.
Then you won't object
to giving a blood sample.
Look, Detective.
The newspaper said
Mr. Saul committed suicide
but it's not true, he was murdered.
I'm just trying to do
the right thing here.
Did you sleep with him?
I am not a prostitute.
That's not what I asked.
Answer the question.
Did you have sexual intercourse
with Mr. Saul?
As you know,
the case is being investigated.
And there's no evidence
that contradicts the fact
that this was a suicide.
I understand that.
That's why I'm coming forth.
He did not commit suicide.
He was murdered.
Miss Komosa, do you understand
the seriousness of the matter?
If a case of murder is opened
then you are the only witness.
You will have to stand up in court
and testify against
whomever is the suspect.
Are you ready for that?
But I'm telling you the truth,
you have to believe me.
The truth?
Are you willing to take the stand
and testify that this is the truth?
Yes.
I am.
Good. I'll get you a case number.
I'll be back shortly.
Shit.
Fuck.
We have a problem, Gov.
There's a witness.
- Hello.
- Mama...
Hi, Baby.
- Please come fetch me.
- Are you okay?
Baby just... just calm... calm...
I need you to fetch me.
It's your life or your child's life.
Do you understand?
Meet me at the flat tomorrow at four.
And don't you dare bring anyone or else.
Or you'll regret it.
Brenda! Where is she?
Go go, go! Go, Frank.
Frank go. Go, go, go!
He told me not to come with anybody
because if I come with anybody
he's going to kill us both.
No, Frank!
Why is this happening?
We'll get her back safe. I promise.
The hitman, I know him.
I too used to be an Inkabi.
You used to kill people?
Yes.
It happened one day
that I too was hunted down for ransom.
Just like the people I used to kill.
I too was shot down
and left to die.
Alone.
Everybody thought that I was dead.
But miraculously, I survived.
So, I took that opportunity
to live a new life.
A much more quieter life.
Where my purpose on earth
was not to harm anybody.
And I just had to come and ruin it?
You need to make sure
that you are visible at all times.
So that he can believe
that you are all alone.
And when he makes his move,
I'll have my eyes on him.
That's when I will make
a telephone call to the landline.
Whatever you do,
don't leave until the phone rings.
Frank, what if you're wrong?
What if he takes
this opportunity to shoot at me?
He won't.
He's a warrior.
He wants you close.
So that you can fight for your life.
He wants to take you with the spear.
He wants to feel the flow
of life coming out of your body.
Just like he did with Mr. Saul.
That's the kind of a kill he's after.
Now, Lucy.
Just in case.
Here she is.
Let me grab her quickly.
No, no, no. Relax. Relax. Relax.
Let's wait a little longer.
Red.
Orange.
Hello Lucy.
Hi.
Are you okay?
Mama, just... Mama, sit down, please.
Mama, please! Mama!
Baby, don't do this.
Baby, relax.
Mama, please stay there.
Mama, stay there.
Mama, sit down. Mama, sit down.
Mama, sit down.
Mama's sorry.
Mama's sorry.
Mama, no. Mama, no, please.
Mama, no.
Mama, no.
Mama.
Mama.
Put the gun down.
Let's fight like men.
A hitman doesn't hate.
I'm a warrior.
Komosa! Komosa! Komosa!
- Mama!
- Police. Get down!
Down. Down, down.
- Baby, come back to me.
- On your knees! Show me your hands.
- Brenda, go get the kid.
- Why are you arresting me?
We got you on kidnapping.
Sir!
Please open the door! Please open...
Please, I need help. I...
Angela, right?
Please, please, please.
Hey. Hey. Enough, enough, enough.
Enough with that. Enough, enough, enough.
I promise, please.
I just want to take
my daughter and go, please.
- You promise? You promise?
- Please, please!
- I promise.
- You promise?
I promise.
You'll never hear from me again. Please!
I'm sorry, darling.
- Please, please, please.
- A little bit too late for that.
Sir?
Yeah, we're about to
dispose of the target now.
Case shut.
Don't touch the girl.
Bring her to me alive.
I understand, Sir.
Change of plans.
The governor wants her alive.
This is your lucky day.
Hey voetsek, man!
Hey, I said fuck off, man!
You're whoring around!
Go away, man!
I said fuck off, man!
Fuck!
Old man.
What did I tell you?
I said this is none of your business.
You've just made it my business.
Get out.
Come back, bitch.
It seems the rumors are indeed true,
he killed the messenger
to protect the girl,
the one who witnessed the hit.
If that's the case,
we all know why he's back.
To settle old scores.
I want you to pass this message
onto the old man.
I've got the girl.
I'll be waiting.
So it's true. The great hitman is alive.
Or is this a ghost standing before me?
A figment of my imagination.
It is me.
It's been many moons since I saw you.
We were all counting you amongst the dead.
One who has gone to be with the ancestors.
But you're still here with us,
amongst the living.
I survived, my brother.
Hold it.
You have no enemies here.
And no one wants to harm you.
- I want you to...
- Enough talking.
Bring your visitor closer.
Let her go home and celebrate.
Eat, drink, and be merry.
The rest we'll speak about once I've
enjoyed the pleasure of your company.
I need to find that girl.
Now,
I want you to tell me
the names of the people who
put out the hit on the businessman.
What did the girl do?
She witnessed
the businessman being killed.
I see.
Now, I need you to tell me who they are.
No way.
You know very well, I can't do that.
We are hitmen.
It's our duty to protect the Inkabi code.
I hear you, my brother.
Well,
I should go before the sun sets.
No.
Stay the night.
It's better to leave tomorrow.
Relax.
The girl is still alive.
This child, she is innocent.
The path of a hitman is lonely.
So the brotherhood
between a family of hitmen
is the most important thing
and should be protected at all costs.
The hitman can't accept
or help carry out a hit
against another hitman.
Unless he breaks his vows.
Scar!
Did he die a great death?
Like a warrior?
Like a true warrior.
Revenge is a long path
with no destination.
A path of no return. It has no way back.
He calls himself the Governor.
He's the mastermind.
He is the link between
the rich and the powerful.
He's also the link to the scumbags,
the underworld.
He controls everything.
If he wants you dead...
Run.
You don't just go over to him,
go knocking at his door,
without a good enough reason.
He is using the girl
to lure you in and pull you closer.
And you will pay with your life.
Who was it?
Who put out a hit on me?
- You don't remember?
- Remember what?
All will be revealed in good time.
You will have to wait
in the desert for three nights.
Without food and water.
On the third day, eat these berries.
The Nomboniso bird will appear to you.
Follow it.
It will lead you to your kill.
It will lead you to where
you need to attack.
That's where you will see.
What will I be shown?
What you need to see.
All will be revealed to you.
The Governor has put out a bounty.
It's getting hot now.
But I'll give you a few days
to give you a head start.
That's all I can do to help you.
After that, you're on your own.
Good luck.
And the child?
The child can stay.
She will be safe.
But if you fail to come back,
the girl will be raised under
the tradition of the hitmen.
And our traditions.
This is yours now.
Take care of it.
Handle it like a warrior's weapon.
What do you mean they're all dead?
They were attacked by a man with a spear.
Hey, that's rubbish.
How does a man with a spear
kill people with guns?
How should I know?
They say he's is a ghost.
That's nonsense.
Get the girl.
Hey, you heard, go. Hurry!
Quick, quick man! Chop-chop.
Shake your legs, you're not on holiday.
Hurry up.
Legend.
Old hitman?
- Shoot him!
- I need a gun.
Put your gun down.
Put your gun down!
And the other one.
Hurry up!
And the spear.
Put down the spear!
On your knees.
On your knees, old man!
Warrior.
Old hitman.
This child has done nothing.
Let her go.
What I want to know, warrior,
is how?
How? I killed you.
I killed you and watched you
with my own eyes.
I watched you die in front of me.
How, old man?
Why, warrior?
It was an order.
- An order from who?
- Who else would give the order?
Why are you acting like a child?
Only one person gives an order.
Nongoma? I don't believe it.
- I'm telling you.
- I don't believe you.
Who gave you the berries?
Who instructed you to eat the berries?
You never ate the berries.
You knew they were poisoned.
You knew that.
Warrior, I didn't eat the berries
because I hoped that I would see
Nomboniso without their assistance.
Because I've seen him before.
The old man said one day
you would grow up
and want to be independent.
And you'd turn against the hitmen.
Turn against your brothers.
You...
You're like my brother.
You too were like a brother to me.
But then you know that you and I
like the dark side.
Lucy.
Lucy.
Lucy.
Frank.
Please
protect Angela.
Make sure she's good.
Promise me, Frank.
I promise.
I promise.
I promise.
So grandfather.
What do we learn today?
Today we learned...
We're going to learn
our first lesson of the hitman.
And what's that?
We live and die by our hitman code.
That is sacred to us.
Without it, we're nothing.
No one can ever break this code.
Even if they are family.
Do you understand?
Yeah. Yeah.
But what happens
if someone breaks the rules?
Well...
Rules are rules, right?
Yeah.
Yeah, I guess so.