BRAND OF JUSTICE

Prologue

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NB: All incidents, names and places used in this book are entirely fictional or are used fictionally. Any resemblances to real people, events or places is purely coincidence.

©All rights reserved. 2017-18

Joseph Dzatsata

Cover by LayLay958
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The two minibuses roared along the winding gravel road that snaked its way around the village compounds and cattle kraals. A thick cloud of dust from the rain-starved ground billowed closely in their wake as they drove to a compound near the western outskirts of the village. The leading maroon Hiace swerved around the gullied path to the Muriwos' homestead. The minibus increased speed and rammed through the flimsy wooden gate, its horn blaring.

Mr Muriwo, a tall stooped man with greying hair, ran out of his main house - a brick and cement three-roomed building roofed with asbestos sheets. He took one look at the intruders and called out to his wife and two daughters to stay in the house.

Both vehicles screeched to a stop a few metres from him. He nearly collapsed when a dozen men and women wearing military trousers and black vests, and armed to the teeth jumped out of the vehicles.

The front passenger door of the lead Hiace opened and a muscular man of medium height stepped out. His face was clean shaven, as was his head which shone brightly in the late morning sun. An ugly scar began from his left ear and zigzagged its way to the bridge of his nose. The left eye was bloodshot and seemed blind. His face was square shaped, with a prominent forehead, thin brows, wide nose and thick lips. His neck was as thick as an electric pole and his chest resembled a that of bovine bull.

He approached the trembling man, flexed his muscles and spoke in a surprisingly high voice. "Old man Muriwo. You know who I am."

The old man gulped a number of times before he found his voice. "Yes, I know you, Master Biggie."

Biggie's smile might have been a grimace. "You know why I'm here with my team."

"Please, don't hurt my family. Do whatever you want to me, just leave my family out this."

Biggie let out high pitched giggle. "You dug their graves a long time ago, Mr Muriwo, I'm merely filling them up." He turned to his associates and said," Bring them out and line them up against the wall."

The old man tried to lunge at one of the armed men but Biggie swung a fist and punched him in the stomach. He fell to his knees clutching his belly. He watched in tears as the door was kicked open and the gangsters burst inside. His wife and kids screams made him try to rise once more but a backhand slap from the giant sent him sprawling.