God help the child

Kristin Uys is a tough Roodepoort magistrate who lives alone with her cat. She is on a one woman crusade to wipe out prostitution in the town for reasons that have personal significance for her. Although she is unable to convict the Visagie brothers, Stevovo and Shortie, on charges of running a brothel, she manages to nail Stevovo for contempt of court and gives him a summary six month sentence.
From Diepkloof prison, the outraged Stevovo orchestrates his revenge against the magistrate, aided and alerted by hiss rather inept brother Shortie and erstwhile nanny, Aunt Magda, who believes mass action will force the powers that be to release Stevovo.
Kristin receives menacing phone calls and her home is invaded and vandalized. Even her cat is threatened. The chief magistrate insists on assigning a bodyguard to protect her. ‘To Kristi’s consternation, security guard Don Mateza moves into her home and trails her everywhere. Nor does this suit Don’s long time girlfriend Tumi, former model and successful businesswoman, who is intent on turning Don into a Black Diamond sooner rather than later, And Don soon finds that his new assignment has unexpected complications which Tumi simply does not understand.
In Black Diamond, Zakes Mda tackles every South African stereotype, skillfully (and with the lightest touch) turning them to upside down and expecting their ironies, often hilariously. This is a clever, quickly novel that captures the essence of contemporary life in Gauteng and will resonate with all South africans.

Author: Zakes Mda