22 October 2019

Who’s who in Trackers

M-Net’s series Trackers hit our screens on 27 October, streaming on Showmax at the same time as it broadcasts on M-Net. Based on the Deon Meyer thriller, the series promises twists and turns as it connects several separate storylines by way of organised crime, smuggling, terrorism, and a beautiful woman with a mysterious past.

Some of South Africa’s top talent is in the cast of Trackers. Here’s who you can expect to meet.

Milla Strachan (Rolanda Marais)

After years of abuse, 40-year-old Milla finally leaves her husband, resentful son and life of luxury, but finds herself battling to find work in a job market that has moved on. She finally takes a lowly journalism job that turns out to be in a government agency, and finds herself embroiled in some seriously shady business. Played by Rolanda Marais (Binnelanders, Wolwedans in die Skemer).

Lemmer (James Gracie)

Formerly a member of the Special Forces and ministerial bodyguard who lost his job after a botched intelligence operation, Lemmer now lives in the small Karoo town of Loxton, renovating an old house and dealing with his anger. What seems like a routine job protecting a shipment of rhino from Zimbabwe turns out to be much, much more complicated … Played by James Gracie (Siberia, Madiba and The Gamechangers).

Janina Mentz (Sandi Schultz)

As director of the Presidential Bureau of Intelligence (PBI), Janina takes her job of protecting the people of South Africa seriously. She played an important role in the country’s liberation struggle and is vehemently opposed to corruption and anyone who undermines the country’s independence. But she’s also out to protect her own interests, and those of her bureau. Played by Sandi Schultz (Hotel, Binnelanders).

Quinn Makebe (Thapelo Mokoena)

Chief of operations at the PBI, Quinn is second-in-command to Janina and has her job in his sights, although they work together closely. He’s clever, educated and ambitious, and Janina sometimes doubts his intentions. Played by Thapelo Mokoena (Wild at Heart, Long Walk to Freedom).

Cornel ‘Flea’ van Jaarsveld (Trix Vivier)

“Flea” is an expert wildlife tracker who no longer wants to live the desperate hand-to-mouth existence she lived with her father, Louis. He was also a master tracker, raised among the San of South Africa. He worked, not always legally, for American and German trophy hunters in Botswana and Zimbabwe, which is where he got a prominent farmer’s daughter, Drika, pregnant. The farmer disowned his daughter, who gave birth to Flea. Played by Trix Vivier (Waterfront).

Inkunzi (Sisanda Henna)

A Johannesburg organised crime boss, “Inkunzi” runs a large syndicate involved in car-jacking, drugs, and prostitution. His power base is in Jozi, but he has forged links with Cape Town mobs and owns a club in the city, the Bull Pen, and a vast, beautiful house. Played by Sisanda Henna (Donkerland).

Lukas Becker (Ed Stoppard)

Ex-US Navy lieutenant and Middle Eastern archaeological expert, Becker is part of a major artefact smuggling syndicate operating out of Iraq and other Middle Eastern war zones. When Interpol came after him he stole the syndicate’s money and ran to South Africa. His ex-partners have now caught up with him and want their money back. Played by British actor Ed Stoppard (Genius, Home Fires).

Suleiman Daoud (Emmanuel Castis)

Born in Egypt, Suleiman got tangled up with extremists early in his life. He’s on the radar of the CIA for being involved in attacks in Iraq and Nigeria, and is only in Cape Town because he’s realised the Alajna, the shady terrorist group, can provide something no one else can. He’s calm, cold and ruthless, and will take out anyone who threatens the success of one of his operations. Played by Emmanuel Castis (Venster, Isidingo).

Lourens (Gerald Steyn)

The young truck driver and his puppy-dog enthusiasm had viewers falling in love with him all over the country. Here he is as Lourens, meeting Flea for the first time.