Summary

After the rich white master of Kroon is killed violently, the white community gathers to mourn his death while the black people on the land stay in their houses. The head-shepherd, Enoch Maarman and his wife Sara, fear that the white authorities will seek to blame them, as they hated the master of Kroon.

Detective Robbertse, known for his short temper and presumed madness, comes to question Enoch, together with his partner. The questioning reveals that money was also stolen and that Enoch hated his master because he would not allow his son to visit, as the boy was sent to a white university. Enoch and his wife fear Robbertse but refuse to be insulted by the man. The detective tells them about their son being in town.

Robbertse comes and takes Enoch with him...