Babies & bloodshed

Ashes To Ashes comes to a nail-biting conclusion.

Tsietsi looks at his newborn as he contemplates his and dad Selo’s (left) plan to save his mom. Weekdays e.tv (*194) 20:00

The past is about to catch up with the Namane family when Tsietsi and Mpho’s (Nyaniso Dzedze and Nyalleng Thibedi) twins are born on Wednesday 31 August. Fallen detective Nkonzo (Menzi Ngubane), his mother Ma’Mazibuko (Nandi Nyembe) and resident sangoma Bab’Hlongwane (Jabulani Masilela) are on a quest to avenge the murder of Nkonzo’s niece 30 years ago at the hands of Selo and Mandlakazi Namane (Patrick Shai and Nambitha Mpumlwana). The couple’s blood sacrifice of some-one else’s child instead of their own all those years ago has led to Mandlakazi’s kidnapping in exchange for Tsietsi’s first-born child. But will he go through with it? Yes, if his dad Selo has anything to do with it!

THE BABY SNATCHER

When Mpho goes into labour on Wednesday 31 August, she has no idea just how much the birth of her and Tsietsi’s twins will affect everyone’s lives. “No one wants to tell her the truth, no matter how much she begs and pleads,” explains Nyalleng. But things start to make a little more sense when immediately after the birth, Mpho’s helper and confidante Ma’Mazibuko attempts to steal her first-born child. “Mpho feels betrayed,” says Nyalleng. “She trusted this woman, even likening her to her deceased mom. She’s heartbroken.”

TERRIBLE TRADE-OFF

But Mpho’s about to face more betrayal when her hubby and father-in-law steal one of the twins to use as bait for Bab’Hlongwane and trade for Mandlakazi’s freedom on Thursday 1 September. “Mpho has just given birth to not one, but two babies and she’s breastfeeding, so she’s exhausted,” Nyalleng explains. “When Tsietsi sneaks in to steal their baby, Mpho’s half asleep, powerless to halt him.” Tsietsi has made sure that she doesn’t stop him, but eventually she screams loud enough to alert help and rushes to go find her baby.

THE END

When Mpho arrives at the scene on Friday 2 September, “Everything moves so fast,” says Nyalleng. “She is furious with Tsietsi but has no time to express this as the exchange is going on and Mandlakazi’s life is at stake.” But Selo and Tsietsi manage to carry out their plan without giving up the baby, plus they rescue Mandlakazi. “In the end, Mpho gets her happy ending because the family is reunited, but we have no idea how long that will last… unless there’s a third season,” Nyalleng teases.