Summary

After news of the murder, Mrs. Ndlela visits Msimangu to tell him the police came looking for Absalom. She sent them to Mrs. Mkize, who has a reputation for dubious affairs. Msimangu hopes to go see Mrs. Mkize without telling Kumalo the news, but Kumalo appears and Msimangu must reveal the truth to the worried father. They set off to visit Mrs. Mkize, and Kumalo insists on paying the taxi fare. Mrs. Mkize sent the police to Mrs. Hlatshwayo in the Orlando Shanty Town, who sent them to the reformatory. The police have been to each house without getting any further in their search than Msimangu and Kumalo did.

The two men travel to Ezenzeleni to visit the blind ministry, as planned. Kumalo is overcome with despair, assuming the worst about his son’s actions. He tries to hope for the best and...