Career flatline
Luyolo’s job is on the line, but an unwelcome gesture by a patient saves the day.
Trouble finds you when you least expect or need it. And oh, how it’s found Dr Luyolo (Karabo Maseko)! A patient rolled into the ER with severe injuries kickstarts a snowball effect heading straight for the doc. “A dangerous gangster named Lerumo (Anele Matoti) has been attacked and he’s critical, but Luyolo gets him stable,” says Karabo. But saving a life is going to cost the healer dearly when his patient flexes his muscles and “saves” Luyolo.
TOO FAR!
Like any patient, Lerumo is grateful to be alive. “He takes his gratitude too far, definitely further than what Luyolo is comfortable with! A previous patient was discharged a few weeks ago after being treated for a lung infection,” says Karabo. “The father was furious because his son fell ill shortly thereafter, and he threatened Luyolo’s career – and possibly life too.” Despite nearly dying himself, Lerumo feels that it’s his duty to protect the man who’s saved him and he tries to prove to Luyolo how grateful he is for saving his life.
During a daily check-up visit, Lerumo tells his doctor that he’s “taken care of” Luyolo’s problem, explains Karabo. “Lerumo sent one of his thugs to shoot the patient’s dad dead. He wants this man to leave his doctor alone and death was the only solution.”
Although Lerumo “expects Luyolo to show gratitude that his problem has been taken care of,” explains Anele, “Luyolo’s conscience doesn’t allow him to be thankful in any way. Luyolo is devastated by the ‘favour’.” As a doctor he took an oath to protect and save lives. This man’s death weighs heavy on him. He is guilt ridden and takes a day off work, says Karabo.
THE WITNESS
As if Luyolo’s ex-girlfriend Dr Sphe (Pearl Monama) hasn’t suffered enough with serial killer Winston (Lehasa Moloi) recently trying to kill her, she’s still battling with post-traumatic stress disorder when she witnesses the brutal shooting. “She was in the hospital parking lot about to drive out and this man was shot and collapses on her car,” says Pearl.
She confides in Luyolo about what she’s seen and he comes clean to her about Lerumo’s involvement. “But Sphe tells him to get his act together as he has a job to do and has patients to look after,” says Pearl. But don’t think the issue is settled... It’ll only be a matter of time though before Lerumo expects a favour from Luyolo in return. “He should expect danger,” warns Anele. Not to mention the eye-witness Sphe.