Having spent 10 years in prison for nationalist activities, Shack Twala is finally ordered released by the South African Supreme Court but he finds himself almost immediately on the run after a run-in with the police. Assisted by his lawyer Rina Van Niekirk and visiting British engineer Jim Keogh, he heads for Capetown where he hopes to recover a stash of diamonds, meant to finance revolutionary activities, that he had entrusted to a dentist before his incarceration. Along the way, they are followed by Major Horn of the South African State security bureau and it becomes apparent that he has no intention of arresting them until they reach their final destination
Sidney Poitier
as Shack Twala
Michael Caine
as Jim Keogh
Nicol Williamson
as Major Horn
Prunella Gee
as Rina Van Niekirk
Saeed Jaffrey
as Mukarjee
Persis Khambatta
as Persis Ray
Rijk de Gooyer
as Van Heerden
Rutger Hauer
as Blane Van Niekirk
Patrick Allen
as District Commissioner
Joe De Graft
as Wilby Xaba
Archie Duncan
as Gordon
Abdulla Sunado
as Village Headman
