Shouldering the blame
Siya confesses and takes responsibility for Denver’s death.
Dr Siya Thuli’s (Gantane Kusch) conscience has been eating at him since the beginning of the year because he murdered one of his patients. Denver (Marlon Swarts) was admitted to hospital with a heart condition and Siya treated him, but Siya realised that Denver was one of the thugs who raped him during a 2018 home invasion. Siya experienced a serious internal struggle and had flashbacks of that night – which he tried to drink away with alcohol. When Siya killed Denver in his hospital bed, he thought that his hell was over, but that was just the start. Denver’s sister Chantel (Megan Saayman), demanded answers about her brother’s death, and it looks like she’s going to get closure.
A SOLUTION
Siya handed himself over to police right at the end of January, admitting that he killed Denver. He was charged with murder and released on bail, as he wasn’t deemed a flight risk. Siya in the meantime has hired lawyer Dawn (Bronté Snell, Vanessa in local comedy movie Bhai’s Cafe, 2019) for help, and Dawn thinks she has a solution. “Dawn plans to get the case thrown out if Siya says he was drunk when he admitted guilt for the murder,” says Gantane, but his character refuses point-blank. Siya must remain honest now even though things get challenging, like when Chantel takes him on again about her brother’s murder, which almost drives Siya back to alcohol. “Siya is strong and would rather go to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting,” explains Gantane.
Siya also tells Danni (Vashti Prince), who ended their relationship because his drinking disgusted her, that he will plead guilty at his trial and not try to deny guilt as his lawyer suggests – and he also promises to never drink again. This turnaround and Siya’s newfound maturity impresses Danni and she’s willing to give him another chance at love.
A PARENT’S LOVE
Siya gets his day in court but it’s only once he pleads guilty that the weight of his consequences hit him. Siya’s parents Rebecca and Sizwe (Zenobia Kloppers and Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi), arrive in Ruiterbosch just after his court appearance, but things are uncomfortable. “Siya has avoided making contact with his parents in the past and here they suddenly show up,” says Gantane. It is difficult for him because he knows that he’s disappointed them, but after a long conversation they make peace and assure Siya of their support and love. Siya makes a plea during sentencing, hoping for mercy. Whether that happens is a waiting game…
PREVIOUSLY
Rumours of Siya’s alcohol abuse spread throughout Ruiterbosch, Ty tried to convince his girlfriend Lee-Ann that the houseparties were a great business idea, and Danni needed to make an important decision about her relationship.
10 – 12 FEBRUARY
Siya reaches a personal crossroads, Bridgette gets more unexpected news about the new site, and Ty, Wade and Justin try to make things right with Mrs J. Kaashifa has exciting plans up her sleeve, Joy comes up with a way that Nazeem can get back at Bridgette, and Siya isn’t looking forward to his struggle. Bennie leads Kaashifa into temptation, and Siya’s bad day ends on a worse note.
15 – 19 FEBRUARY
Kaashifa has a sly plan, Siya reaches a new low point, and an angry Mrs J finds out what happened to Carmen. Siya and Danni try to ignore the reality of their future, Kaashifa’s diet makes her moody, and the Jacobs sisters must decide how to handle Carmen’s situation. Imraan and Kaashifa look at another wedding venue, the Jacobs sisters fight about Carmen, and Siya tries to help Chantel. Nazeem is busy with another scheme, Bridgette becomes a scapegoat for the latest crisis at Jacobs Property Development, and Carmen is unusually impatient with Rhafiek.
22 – 23 FEBRUARY
Siya must learn to adapt to his new circumstances if he’s going to survive, Carmen still feels unwell, and Imraan’s parents arrive in Ruiterbosch. Wade faces new obstacles, Kaashifa has her hands full, and Lee-Ann and Bridgette are near their wits end with their situation.
CAST: AB (Abdullah) Samsodien Cedwyn Joel •Bennie Richard September •Bianca Fourie Simone Biscombe •Bridgette Jacobs Denise Newman •Carmen Fourie Desiré Gardner •Chantel Megan Saayman •Chris du Plooy Marcel van Heerden •Danni (Danielle) Hendricks Vashti Prins •Imraan Bassier Marlo Minnaar •Joy Benjamin Monique Rockman •Justin Potgieter Eden Classens •Kaashifa Mansour Jawaahier Petersen •Kate Vosloo Annelisa Weiland •Lee-Ann Jacobs Portia Joel •Mymoena Samsodien Jill Levenberg •Nazeem Samsodien Irvine van der Merwe •Rhafiek (Fiekie) Samsodien Irshaad Ally •Mrs J (Sharleen Jacobs) Theresa Sedras •Robin Vicky Davis •Siya Thuli Gantane Kusch •Stella Fourie Mishka Ross •Tim du Plooy Marco Spaumer •Ty (Tyrone) Daniels Maurice Paige •Wade Daniels Dean John Smith •Zoe October Lauren Joseph