The Lead

Chapter 2

At the offices of The Eagle newspaper, the staff were busy as they aim to meet their deadline. The Eagle newspaper is privately owned by Bafana Skhosana, he's a seasoned journalist with more than twenty years experience in journalism. Bafana's passion for journalism sometimes got him in trouble with his former bosses in his younger years as a journalist; he would defy the instructions of his superiors and do things his way.

Bafana felt restricted by being someone else employee, he wanted more freedom to investigate stories that many news outlets shy away from them. But being an award winning journalist didn't come without any sacrifices, he sacrifices his marriage along the way.

Today The Eagle newspaper is a reliable and respected paper for it groundbreaking journalism. The newspaper has exposed large scale of corruption in the public sector and private sector.

Bafana was the type of boss employees wanted, a boss who gave them freedom to do their work without censorship. Over the years he has groomed his journalists. And one of those journalist was Sarah Ndlovu, a dedicated and idealistic journalist.

Bafana was in his office, his eyes were glued to his laptop. He heard a knock on the door.

Bafana answered. "Come in."

A lady with a black haircut and her eyes were brown, she is wearing a black jean, and a white   golf t-shirt with a black leather jacket. Her posture looks confident.

Bafana smiled as he looks at the lady walked towards him.

"Ah, Sarah how are you doing?" Bafana closes his laptop.

"I'm good. And you?"

"I'm great. Please take a seat." Bafana said as he points  to a chair.

Sarah sat down.

"I'm impressed by your lastest investigative story, exposing those referees in match-fixing scandal. It really shocked the football world." He said softly.

Sarah smiled. "Thanks boss. I appreciate that."

"Now, on your next assignment. I want you to head in Mpumalanga, last week a body of a man was discovered in Kruger National Park."

"Mpumalanga? Since when we investigate a random murder?" Sarah asks.

"Sarah, this is not just a random murder. It bigger than that."

Sarah looked puzzled.

"There has been a rise in rhino poaching in that game reserve. My sources down there have indicated to me that the deceased was part of the poachers." Bafana informed.

Sarah started to look more interested.

"Sarah, this may be the biggest assignment of your career. If you can break this investigation - you will be a national hero. Every year rhinos are killed just for their horns. As we know there is high demand of their horns in Asian countries."

"Hm, it an intriguing assignment. I like it already." Sarah says with a determined tone.

"So, are you keen on doing this task of taking down this syndicate?"

"I'm down with it. I'm looking forward doing it. I never beg down from a challenge."

"Excellent! I have already booked you a flight, and a driver will take  to OT Tambo International airport. One of my sources in Mpumalanga will meet you down that side."

"Great. I can't wait to start plus I need a change of scenery." Sarah beams with joy.

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