A drama tracing six days in the lonely, violent life of Tsotsi (meaning "thug"), a ruthless, young gang leader. Bolstered by his small crew of social rejects--a failed teacher, a dim-witted heavy, and a cold-blooded assassin--Tsotsi refuses to think further ahead than the raids of the coming night. But when an impromptu car jacking results in the accidental kidnapping of an infant, Tsotsi comes to care for the child and begins to gradually rediscover his humanity, dignity, and capacity to love.