The Toyota Corolla sped past the long queue of cars lined up along the lane.Another vehicle followed closely behind it .It was immediately clear that something was wrong .
Pedestrians and drivers turned their heads watching as the speeding car ignored the rules of the road.Not far behind, a police car gave chase.Another theft and hijacking, people thought -something that has become almost routine .But this time, it didn't feel ordinary .
Traffic had been building up and everyone was waiting for the signal to change-to see the green light that would allow them move again.Instead, the morning turned into chaos.It was a Tuesday morning in Bhisho, Eastern cape.What should have been a normal start to the day quickly spiralled into panic.
Motorists gripped by fear began hooting and pulling aside unsure of what might happen next .Others stayed in their car watching the unfolding drama .The high speed chase between the police and the unknown man in the private car continued down the road.
Pedestrians scattered , racing into nearby buildings and alleys desperate to find safety from whatever danger was approaching.
Chaos was building.
The Toyota Corolla sped even faster putting several miles between itself and the police.It swerved sharply stirring frustration and anger inside the patrol car.
"Shayelaaa!(Drive!)"the senior officer shouted at the constable.
"Am trying!!) the constable yelled back gripping the wheel as he pushed the aging police vehicle to its limit .
"Wait.. another Nissan is behind us .What's happening ?"another officer warned glancing through the rearview mirror.
The officers tensed.
They all reached for their guns.
...................
Amahle's hands were firm on the wheel.She was also trying to reach for the destination of the police and her husband .Deep down,she had always known this day might come.
A day when her husband would be on the run.
A day when his life would hang in the balance .
A day when she will risk everything again to save him.
If his car failed and the police caught up, everything would be over.
Amahle pressed her foot hard against the accelerator hoping she could reach him in time..maybe she would beg for his release or roll on the bare floor for the police to let her husband go again .She did not support the life he had chosen.
His dirty, fraudulent and narcissistic life.
She had warned him countless times .Again and again she begged him to stop but he never listened .Now she found herself caught in a nightmare of his making . Still she drove on.Her heart pounded .She loved her husband deeply .She couldn't bear the thought of him being dragged away or worse.And she refused to let her child grow up without a father.Tears blurred her vision as she kept her eyes still fixed on the road.
Amahle placed one hand on her stomach .
Three weeks pregnant.
The reality hit her all at once.
Now,more than ever,she had to fight for Vuyo,her husband.
"God please..."She cried under her breath ,her voice trembling as she drove .
Her mind raced back to that morning .
It had all started with a call from a neighbour.
Vuyo her husband had duped a client three months earlier .Now the truth has finally caught up with him.The man he had scammed was furious and everything and everything had spiralled out of control.The police were called.
And just like that,the chase began
...............
Suddenly all the cars screeched to a halt.Vuyo jumped out of his car sprinting down the road without looking back . The police officers leaped out after him, chasing him on foot.
Gunshots rang out into the air.
"Noooooo!!"Amahle screamed,her heart shattering as fear took over.