Reuben's blog

Interview # 2 - The Jackal

Near Port Selao

Today, I interviewed the Jackal for over an hour. We covered a lot of ground, but I started with a basic question. I asked him his real name – surely no one’s christened The Jackal! But he was expectedly elusive, “What’s in a name?” I pointed out that the name ‘Jackal’ has elicited fear in civilians and mercenaries alike. So clearly there’s something in his chosen name. And to that, he said, “I didn’t choose anything. You can call me what you want. Call me dead, I don’t give a s**t. They fear the man, not the name.”

Just a sampling. A lot of good material today. Next interview is scheduled for the 24th.

Interview # 1 - The Jackal

Leboa-Sako

The Jackal set a bold tone for our interview with his very first answer. I started with what I felt was a basic question, “What has brought you to Africa?” He proceeded to speak for 5 minutes. Some of it rambling, some of it shocking. All of it reaching the heart of the man. He held nothing back during our entire 45 minute interview.

I’ve found him

Port Selao

4:30 pm I arrived at the café, the same time I’ve been going for the past few days. This was when I met him last. And today I found him. The Jackal.

He was seated at the same table as last week. I sat down across from him and he just stared. Not a word. So I said, “I know who you are”.

Still searching

Port Selao

If I have blown my one opportunity, I will curse myself for the rest of my days. Still no sign of the Jackal. I now know WHO I’m looking for. I just have to learn WHERE I should look. The only lead I have is the tiny café.  Tomorrow will be the same day as our last meeting. A good chance he’ll come then?