SYNDICATE 2: NEGOTIATIONS-

SYNDICATE ASSIGNMENT: 20 MIN

HOSTAGE NEGOTIATION

ACTION ITEMS: [for more info, please check Game

Plan]
Script: Sbongiseni, Wilhelmina & Bianca
Language Check: Ann & Adrienne
Timing Check: Silindile
Reflection Paper: Andro & Rabelani
Recording: Tiaan, Dumisani, Olivia & Bianca
Editing: Tiaan
Submission: Tiaan
Submission Documents: Bianca
Characters to the Negotiation:

Character: Role of Character:

1 Agent Khanyile (Male) Detective: Serious & Violent

Crimes Unit

2 Mr Harris (Male) Suspect

3 Agent Maponya (female) Detective: Serious & Violent

Crimes Unit

4 Ms Evans(female) Legal Representative of Daniel

Harris

1 | Page
 Background to Scenario

Daniel Harris has been arrested & negotiating a plea agreement with the Police.
Two Police Detectives from the Serious & Violent Crimes Unit are investigating him,
namely Agent Maponya & Agent Charter.
Ms Evans is the legal representative of Mr Harris.

Mr Harris is being detained by the local detectives in Bellville SAPS. Agent

Khanyile & Agent Maponya are now interviewing him remotely via Ms Teams.
Agent Khanyile & Agent Maponya are from the Serious & Violent Crimes Unit & will
be proceeding with the investigation, once Mr Harris has been moved from Bellville
SAPS to Paulsmore Prison.

Mr Harris is willing to negotiate with Agent Khanyile & Agent Maponya, because he
does not want to go to jail.

Ann - Revert:

In the dimly lit confines of a Bellville SAPS interrogation room, a critical negotiation is
about to take place. Daniel Harris, whose future teeters on the edge of a razor, is seated
before a stark computer screen, the sole portal to the world beyond his holding cell. The
atmosphere is charged with anticipation as Harris braces himself to navigate a complex
negotiation with two formidable adversaries: Agent Carter and Agent Maponya, the
relentless investigators from the Serious & Violent Crimes Unit.

These seasoned agents, masters of the interrogation craft, are not physically present, yet
their influence is palpable through the pointed questions and strategic dialogue that
emanate from the computer's speakers. They are the invisible conductors of this
orchestrated exchange, their figures intermittently appearing on the screen via a Microsoft
Teams call.

Standing as a pillar of support beside Harris is Miss Evans, his legal counsel. She is his
advocate, his strategic partner in this high-stakes chess match against the agents who are
hell-bent on securing a plea agreement. Her intellect is as formidable as her professional

2 | Page
 attire, her gaze meticulously dissecting every nuance and intention displayed by the
agents.

Time is of the essence for Harris. The Bellville SAPS is but a temporary holding ground;
the foreboding shadow of Paulsmore Prison looms on the horizon, a place where hope
struggles to survive. It is a destiny Harris is determined to evade, and this determination
fuels his willingness to negotiate.

Agents Carter and Maponya, cognizant of Harris's aversion to the bleak reality of
incarceration, use this to their advantage. They are the predators in this game, and Harris,
the ensnared quarry, must draw upon his cunning and Miss Evans's expertise to steer
through the perilous currents of this negotiation.

The question remains: Can Harris's yearning for freedom tip the scales in his favor? Or will
the agents' unyielding quest for justice compel him to surrender his freedom? The
outcome hinges on the interplay of words, the reading of subtle gestures, and the strategic
maneuvers that will play out in this digital theater of negotiation.

Character Concept covered

AGENT KHANYILE: Speak calmly, remain

professional & respectful,
Mr. Harris, thank you for agreeing to speak with us. I'm
and Focus on interests
Agent Khanyile, and this is Agent Maponya. We know this
is a trying time but before we begin, let’s remind you of
your rights. You have the right to remain silent...

(Khanyile goes through the all the human rights, such as the right to a Legal
Representative and the right to remain silent)-show the face of the person with the text
being read

DANIEL HARRIS: Remain professional &

respectful

3 | Page
 (visibly nervous, running his hands together)
I understand. But... I have nothing to hide. I didn't kill
anyone.

AGENT MAPONYA: Empathy, Emotional

intelligence, Talk slowly &
Mr. Harris, we appreciate your willingness to talk. We
clearly to show you are in
understand that this is a stressful situation. Our only goal
control, Gain Trust
today, is to find out the truth about what happened at Mr.
Collins' residence. We believe you can help us with that.Is
that Correct?
(Mr Harris, subconsciously nods his head without looking at
the agents)

DANIEL: Gain Trust, Behavioural

influencing
Look, I was there, I had a few drinks like everyone else.
But when things got heated about salaries, I left. I swear, I
had nothing to do with that or with what happened after.
( Daniels eyes are open wide, his palms are faced upwards
and open , indicating he has nothing to hide)

AGENT KHANYILE: Establish Rapport with the

other party
Daniel, we've collected evidence that places you
(Khanyile points at Daniel) and another employee at the
scene. That's why we're here – to figure out how you fit into
the bigger picture.

DANIEL: Use self-awareness

I understand what you are saying, Agent, I really do, but I
am telling you, I have nothing to hide. I have given you all
the information of my whereabouts, I can't speak for other
people that were there.

Daniel:long pause, looks away from the camera, palms up,

indicating that he still has nothing to hide

AGENT MAPONYA: Display empathy: verbal &

non-verbal, acknowledge
Daniel, we know this is tough. I, for one, don't want to be
other party’s perspective &
on that side of the table. Do you understand that , whatever
try to find mutually beneficial
happens next will make sure that everything goes a lot
solution
smoother for you if you would cooperate with us?

I understand you might be afraid, and rightfully so, but if

you're honest with us, we can investigate the ability to

4 | Page
 protect you.

( Maponya steepled his fingers , showing he is confident in

that they can protect or find a way to protect Daniel)

DANIEL: Use self-awareness

Protect me? Protect me from What Agent? Are you
protecting me from someone or somewhere?
I know what I am facing!

Daniel: Raises his voice, sounds exasperated. He cant

believe the agents think he doesn't know what he is facing

AGENT KHANYILE: Emotional intelligence

Mr. Harris, Listen to me. ( Khanyile puts an open hand on
chest to show sincerity).

I know you have the info we need, and sharing the info with
us can help us clear you from this terrible situation.

Trust me when I say, we have the ability to protect you,but

you need to come to the party Daniel ( Call the suspect on
his first name to establish trust)

DANIEL: ( Daniel look at the one agent and then at the Active listening
next, and sighs after looking at the second agent indicating
his resolve)

Ok, Ok , Ok

Like What agent? What Options?

AGENT MAPONYA: Acknowledge other party’s

perspective & try to find

5 | Page
 mutually beneficial solution
Look Daniel, I know from intel, that you're not the
mastermind, ok? That's what we're trying to tell you, we
know you're just implicated, and there is something bigger
at play.

If there is a mastermind behind this terrible crime, I need to

understand what happened to persuade you to be there
that night?

DANIEL: Seek mediation

It's genuinely not that simple… I… we… look Maybe it's
better if I get a lawyer to help me out

Daniel: Scratches his head when he says “I” then “we” and
considers a lawyer)

AGENT KHANYILE: Work Cooperatively to

generate win-win

You absolutely have the right to an attorney. But Daniel,

consider this: time is not on your side. We're building a
case against you as we speak. The sooner you help us
untangle this, the better your chances of getting a more
favourable deal.

(Daniel looks visibly conflicted) Non-verbal actions

DANIEL: Seek mediation

(shaking his head) A lawyer... I need to talk to a lawyer.

AGENT KHANYILE: Active listening, Display

empathy, Remain
Ok Daniel, that fine then.
professional & respectful
Who do you want us to call for you or do you want us to
arrange for legal aid?

DANIEL: Mirroring
No... I have my company lawyer on retainer. Can I call her?

AGENT MAPONYA: Remain professional &

respectful

6 | Page
 Yes of course Daniel, just…. Just remember… time is tight
right now, I think we should continue talking, don't you?

DANIEL: Active listening

Yeah, I get that, but I can't do this alone.

(Agents Khanyile and Maponya exchange a brief look) Non-verbal actions

AGENT KHANYILE: Take a break & regroup

Alright, let's give you a few minutes. Do you have your
lawyer's contact information?

(Daniel nods and fumbles for his phone. The agents give Non-verbal actions
him a moment of privacy. We see them typing quietly, likely
making notes or messaging with superiors)

[5 MINUTES LATER] ATTORNEY EVANS, Harris’s legal Take a break & regroup
representative, joins the Teams call

EVANS: Establish Rapport with the

other party
Agent Khanyile? Agent Maponya? I'm Sarah Evans,
representing Daniel Harris. Is my client under arrest?

AGENT KHANYILE: Establish Rapport with the

other party
Not formally at this time, Ms. Evans. We're conducting an
investigation and your client, Daniel, has expressed a Keep maintaining a personal
desire to have you present. connection with Daniel by
calling him on his name and
not his surname.

EVANS: Active listening

I understand. Daniel, do not speak any further until I've had
a chance to be fully briefed on the situation.ok?

(Evans turns her video off and audio on mute. We see her Non-verbal actions
whisper intensely to Daniel)

7 | Page
 DANIEL: Active listening
(Daniel speaks directly to the agents ) Okay, my lawyer
says we need to hear what the offer is?

AGENT MAPONYA: Establish Rapport with the

other party
Daniel, let's recap. You admit to being present at the crime
scene. Based on the evidence, we have reason to believe
that you were not the mastermind behind the planning of
the killing of Mr Collins.

EVANS: (unmuting) Agent Maponya, that's quite an

assumption. Let's stick to the facts.

AGENT KHANYILE: Determine what is the

BATNA for the other party
Ms. Evans, Daniel can potentially minimize the
consequences he faces by providing information.

We're prepared to discuss a reduced charge in exchange

for truthful testimony against his accomplice.

EVANS: Active listening

I see. Daniel, that could mean a plea deal instead of facing
murder charges. That's a significant difference.
Daniel: Rolling his tongue over his teeth, considering what
Evans just said

I would need to still see the prosecution's evidence to

evaluate its strength.

AGENT MAPONYA: Active listening, Emotional

intelligence
We understand, Ms. Evans. However, the sooner we have
your client's cooperation, the stronger the terms of this deal
might be.

DANIEL: Use self-awareness

8 | Page
 Sarah… Ms Evans… I am scared right now. There are
murderers in jail. If they put me in jail, i'll be with those
people
I don't want to get hurt for something I didn't do.

AGENT KHANYILE: Determine what is the

BATNA for the other party
Daniel, we are aware of those risks. We can work with the
prosecutor to discuss the possibility of protective custody
in exchange for your testimony. ok?

EVANS: Take a break & regroup

This is a lot to take in. Daniel, don't say anything further at

the moment.

Agents, I'll need time to review the potential evidence and

consult with my client privately. Can we reconvene
tomorrow?

AGENT MAPONYA: Active listening

We can yes, but I need to remind you , We do not have a
lot of time to secure protection for Daniel

EVANS: Active listening, Take a

break & regroup
Understood. Expect to hear back from me by this
afternoon.

[FADE IN - LATE IN THE AFTERNOON)

EVANS: Work Cooperatively to

generate win-win
Agents, I've consulted with my client and if you support us,
we can cooperate. Let’s discuss how we can make a deal
based on my clients’ terms.

AGENT KHANYILE: Active listening,

acknowledge other party’s
We are listening Ms Evans.
perspective & try to find
Please, outline your terms for us. mutually beneficial solution

9 | Page
 EVANS: Focus on interests,
collaborate to find solutions
Firstly, Daniel is terrified & worried that he will not be
protected in jail. A guarantee of protective custody is
essential.

Secondly, my client insists he won't testify against the other

alleged culprit, unless there is ironclad evidence of their
direct involvement in the murder itself, which evidence we
need to peruse & verify.

AGENT MAPONYA: Focus on interests, Gain

Trust
Ms. Evans, we might have some flexible options about
providing protection to your client.

As for the evidence... We can share elements that

strengthen our belief in your client's lesser culpability.

However, understanding that revealing the full scope of

our case now, could jeopardize the investigation.

EVANS: Active listening

I appreciate those risks.
Could you at least confirm the nature of the evidence?
Is it physical evidence linking the other employee to the
crime scene? Or any witness statements?

Can you please elaborate?

AGENT KHANYILE: Gain Trust, active listening

I can confirm that it is a combination of things Ms Evans.
Things which, when combined with your client's account,
form a compelling narrative.

DANIEL: (Speaking for the first time since the Morning) Work Co-operatively to
generate win-win

10 | Page
 Ms. Evans, can they at least tell me what charge I will now
face?
I swear, I can't go down for murder.

EVANS: Active listening

Daniel, give the agents a moment ok?

Agent Khanyile, I need to know what Daniel is pleading

guilty to, if our negotiations succeed.
We cannot accept any Plea Proposal wherein my client is
convicted of Murder.
My client needs a tangible idea of what he's facing.

AGENT MAPONYA: Focus on interests

I understand your concern, Ms. Evans, I can indicate we're
inclined towards a culpable homicide charge.

This is contingent on timely co-operation and the feasibility

of Mr. Harris's testimony. He will need to fully cooperate
with us, during this investigation.

EVANS: Focus on interest

Culpable homicide...that's still a very serious charge.

Daniel?

(Daniel nods slowly, looking defeated yet relieved) Non-verbal actions

EVANS: Take a break & regroup

Agents, we need a moment for private consultation.

[Evans and Daniel turn off their cameras and microphones] Non-verbal actions

EVANS: Talk slowly & clearly to

show you are in control,
Daniel, it's far from perfect, but this might be your best
Focus on interests
option.

11 | Page
 Culpable homicide carries a heavy sentence, but it beats a
potential sentence of lifetime imprisonment.

DANIEL: Mirroring
But the other guy...he'll get away with this, won't he?

EVANS: Focus on interest

That depends on how strong their case is and how

convincing your testimony turns out to be.

What you need to do now is focus on the facts so that we

can save you from taking the fall. It is important that you
are truthful now, however painful it is, ok?

[Evans unmutes]

EVANS: Work Cooperatively to

generate win-win
Agents, after careful consideration, my client is prepared to
co-operate under the terms discussed.

We will accept a reduced custodial sentence for culpable

homicide.

We will need to review the evidence you're willing to share.

OUTRO- SHORT DESCRIPTION OF WHY THE NEGOTIATION WAS SUCCESSFUL

In this negotiation that you have just watched, it was clearly illustrated that active
listening, mirroring & displaying empathy, establishes rapport with the other side &
is very helpful in negotiating a win-win outcome for both parties. In this scenario,
the win-win for Agent Maponya & Agent Khanyile is that Daniel admits guilt & the
win-win for Daniel is that he is not charged with murder, but only with culpable
homicide.

If both parties in this negotiation, the outcome of the negotiation might have been
completely different...

12 | Page
13 | Page