Zinzi is a dark-skinned, stylish mashavi who makes her living finding lost objects. She also sends scam emails on the side, collecting money to pay off her drug debt. Formerly a lifestyle journalist and child of privilege, Zinzi fell into drug use with her boyfriend, Gio. When she owed debts, she gave her dealer information about her brother Thando’s new car, so the dealer could steal it. Thando died during the hijacking, which also resulted in Zinzi’s ear being torn by a bullet. Zinzi was charged as an accessory to murder, which resulted in jail time and earned her an animal familiar, Sloth.

In Zoo City, Zinzi has adjusted to a routine with her lover, Benoît, although she clearly carries immense guilt from her brother’s death and is often reluctant to trust or connect with others. When one of her clients is murdered, Zinzi’s life takes an unforeseen turn. She is asked to help find a missing twin from a pop duo, not realizing she’s being framed for murder by their producer.

As the story unfolds, Zinzi transforms from closed-off loner to someone willing to risk her life for others. Although she continues to struggle with addiction and regrets some of her choices, she demonstrates tremendous courage in the face of danger.