Villagers in northern Transvaal, South Africa, have good reason to fear their neighbours. Here witchcraft is a common accusation, with some hounded out of their homes, others even being killed. African magic, potentially a benevolent force, is being used as an instrument of violence in a society now under severe economic and psychological stress. This is the story of one accused witch and his accusers.

Two brothers are at loggerheads with each other. One is a warrior-commander who worries that his tribe's new attachment to guns will bring death and destruction. The other is a young blood determined to trade his cattle for the gun that he believes will bring him wealth and status.