Free Daddy Long Legs by Vernon W. Baumann Page A

the division. ‘Has tannie (aunty) Ilse been fawning over you again?’
    Wayne chuckled. ‘Yes, sir. You know her.’
    Govinda continued scribbling without responding. ‘Good work on the Moffat case,’ He said without looking up.
    The Moffat case had been a veritable media sensation –and the division’s biggest success story to date. Two of South Africa’s biggest philanthropists – and both major players in the oscillating politics of the ANC – John and Lydia Moffat had been found brutally murdered in their plush Bryanston home a few months earlier. Facing a great deal of politics and much criticism from the media, Human had soon identified the son as the major suspect. After authorising a dragnet that almost cost him his job, he had discovered a vital piece of forensic evidence just in time to prevent Michael Moffat from fleeing the country. It had turned the shy Human into a media darling and had solidified the reputation of the entire detective division – at a time when it had been facing mounting opposition.
    ‘Thank you, sir.’
    Finally, Govinda looked up at Human. ‘How’s the rest of your case load?’
    Human nodded in contemplation. ‘Good. I’m interviewing a witness later today.’
    ‘No. You’re going to have to cancel.’
    ‘Really?’
    ‘Yes. I’ve got a team from Special Assignment coming to do an interview with you.’ Govinda looked at his watch. ‘In about half an hour.’
    Human felt his spirits sink. But he remained stone-faced and didn’t voice his feelings. He spent a moment digesting the information. Trying to re-schedule the busy day that lay ahead. ‘Yes, sir.’
    ‘Good.’ Govinda carried on scribbling. You realise how important this media attention is, right?’
    Detective Wayne Human thought that even the cleaning staff must have known how important ‘this media attention’ was. In the politically charged world of civil service South Africa, it was difficult not to be.
    A few years back, the government had created a new investigative arm, known as the Scorpions. Staffed by some of South Africa’s premier investigators, this new division was meant to mirror the FBI in scope and ability. The Scorpions had achieved spectacular successes in its short history, and under the direction of a wily and media-savvy chief, had become the darling of the South African press. In a country where the police were often accused of being corrupt and incompetent, the Scorpions had become a thorn in the side of the National Police Commissioner. The primary reason, of course, was that the Scorpions reported directly to the National Prosecuting Authority, and were thus not a division of the South African Police Services. That the senior positions in the Scorpions were largely occupied by detectives from the old Apartheid regime, further inflamed the political infighting. It was for this reason that Wayne Human was of such importance. About a year ago, the Director for Priority Crime Investigation – in charge of the Wachthuis division - established its own unit, tasked with high profile cases, as a counter against the media success of the Scorpions. Under the leadership of Detective Wayne Human, the Moffat case had been its first notable success.
    ‘Yes, sir. I know.’
    Govinda had obviously noted something in Human’s tone, because he looked up, carefully studying his prize detective. ‘I know you don’t like this media bullshit, Detective Human. Believe me, I detest having to kiss the arse of every reporter that walks through our doors, but it’s something we have to do. This comes straight from the top.’ He gave Human an icy stare. ‘And I mean, straight from the top.’ Human knew exactly what Curry Govinda meant. Rumours had been circulating lately that the Police Commissioner himself was about to be investigated by the Scorpions. If it were true, it would be a political earthquake. And would have ramifications far beyond the top structures of the police. ‘Besides, we all