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The Citizen
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Story of 1990s serial killer Moses Sithole set to make its debut on Showmax
While serving a 2 410-year prison sentence, Sithole is currently studying law after completing a degree in theology. In just over a year, 1990s serial killer Moses Sithole murdered 38 people, sexually molested 40 and committed six robberies. These crimes were in broad daylight, while Sithole was sober and just a few months after Nelson Mandela had become South Africa's first democratically elected president. 'This was the biggest case of our history at the time,' says former detective Derrick Nosworthy in the trailer of the series on Sithole. 'I don't think we had ever had a case where there were so many people murdered by potentially one offender.' The abovementioned crimes are the ones for which Sithole was later convicted, and his story will be told in a three-part series on Showmax, directed by Jasyn Howes, who also directed another doccie of a Mzansi 1990s serial killer, Boetie Boer. 'It was a natural progression from my previous series, where I had met one of the principal characters in the story during my research phase on the last series,' Howes tells The Citizen. 'When I heard the story, I immediately knew I needed to tell this story, but it would need to wait. Often stories happen upon us, and I am very grateful that this one did.' ALSO READ: Lasizwe cuts ties with MultiChoice amid podcast payment dispute Telling the Sithole story Thirty years ago, then-rookie journalist Tamsen de Beer was working the night shift at The Star newspaper when she received a life-changing call from someone claiming to be South Africa's most prolific serial killer. Through repeated conversations, the two developed a disturbing rapport that bears resemblance to Stockholm Syndrome. 'It was like a journey I was on with him,' de Beer says in the trailer. 'We were bonded in a strange, ugly way. I was hoping he was okay all the time, which is absolutely crazy.' 'He was our Ted Bundy,' says Howes about Sithole, comparing him to the famed US serial killer, Bundy, who murdered dozens of young women and girls between 1974 and 1978. The ABC Killer is his second series in a row for Showmax about a 90s serial killer, the first Boetie Boer, which received a nomination at last year's South African Film and Television Awards for Best Documentary Series and Best Editor (Jaco Laubscher, who also cut The ABC Killer). For the new series, Howes tracked down many of those closest to the story, including de Beer and her night editor, Alameen Brendan Templeton, who admits in the trailer that he was worried his journalist 'could end up as one of his victims.' While serving a 2,410-year prison sentence, Sithole is currently studying law after completing a degree in theology. ALSO READ: Hey Neighbour Festival postponed as organisers negotiate new dates with artists Howes — the storyteller Howes was a nine-year-old during the time and says he remembers the atmosphere of the country at the time. 'I remember the long lines of people standing to vote, and I remember the social fabric of my classrooms beginning to change. It was an exciting time, and it felt like every day something new and interesting was happening,' said The director, who has worked in film, commercials, and documentaries, says South Africa has a wealth of stories to tell across multiple genres. Saying the country's landscape, history and varied cultural mix make South Africa a storytelling goldmine. 'It excites me that our local platforms are providing more and more opportunities to tell local stories, and I think it is only a matter of time before international audiences start to see our content as viable viewing options,' said Howes. Howes says he's always hands-on with his projects, thanks to his background in writing, directing, cinematography, and editing. 'So I apply all of those skills in the projects I create, and it's very important for me to have a meaningful handle on the research, interviewing the story stakeholders and then figuring out how I want to visually tell the story. 'The first longer form documentary I made, I played all the creative roles bar illustration, and this gives me confidence in knowing that I can take on a project and feel confident to execute it,' he said. The ABC Killer will be available to binge on Showmax from Tuesday, 22 July. NOW READ: How the last episode of 'Shaka iLembe' made Nomzamo Mbatha feel like a 'new person'
IOL News
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Gail Mabalane: the mother of all problems for bad guys in 'Unseen' season 2
Gail Mabalane reprises her role as Zenzi Mwale in 'Unseen 2'. Image: Netflix Gail Mabalane is arguably one of the most talented yet overlooked actresses in South Africa, a claim I don't make lightly. Mabalane may not have the lengthy acting credentials of her peers, but she has a profound understanding of the craft and exhibits significant commitment through her method acting approach. I still can't understand why she didn't bag a South African Film and Television Awards nod for her magnificent portrayal of Zenzi Mwale in the first season of Netflix's 'Unseen'. Seriously, how could she have been snubbed? After being mesmerised by her performance in season one of 'Unseen', I didn't think she could surpass it. I was mistaken. She blows that performance out of the water in the follow-up season. Gambit Film's second instalment of 'Unseen' debuted without much fanfare on the streaming platform, but the ingenious six-part series packs a serious punch, from the stellar storytelling and casting to the execution. The new instalment picks up from the aftermath of season one, where Zenzi, in trying to find her ex-con husband Max (Vuyo Dabula), who goes missing after being released, finds herself using her nondescript status to bring down a massive criminal syndicate that he took the fall for. Tragically, her son becomes collateral damage, and her acts of vigilantism create significant disruption. Currently behind bars, Zenzi's greatest ally is Detective Lyners (Ilse Klink), who is determined to dismantle the criminal organisation behind the litany of corruption and murder that led to Zenzi's incarceration. Meanwhile, Detective Morkel (Waldermar Schultz), who is Lyners ex, believes the case is over and she is just grasping at straws with her investigation. When Zenzi, who is pregnant, is violently attacked in prison by fellow inmate TK (Danica Jones), followed by Lyners being killed, Morkel realises that there is more to the story than meets the eye. However, his captain, Eric Davids (Kevin Smith), hands the investigation over to Detective Visser (Erica Wessels). Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Zolisa Xaluva, Dineo Langa and Gail Mabalane in 'Unseen 2'. Image: Netflix With Zenzi proving to be a loose end that needs to be wrapped up, especially with business tycoon Andrew Harting (Frank Rautenbach) on the brink of signing an electricity deal that benefits his influential partners from various sectors, including government, he orders his legal right-hand, Reuben Theron (Colin Moss), to take care of it. Fortunately, Zenzi, after escaping an attack on her life in the hospital, is aided by her sister Naledi (Dineo Langa) - much to the displeasure of her doctor husband John (Zolisa Xaluva) - as well as prominent author Lufuno (Mothusi Magano). Desperate for a fresh start, Zenzi is unable to get away as TK and S'bu (Siv Ngesi) take her sister and brother-in-law hostage, forcing her to return and face the music. In the second instalment, the writers delve into Zenzi and Naledi's traumatic childhood, bringing their father (played by the late Sello Motloung) into the picture and expanding on how they were bonded by their 'We fight, we stay together, we survive' stance. Frank Rautenbach as business tycoon Andrew Harting in 'Unseen'. Image: Netflix
The Star
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Abdul Khoza bids farewell to acting with last audition video
Abdul Khoza, the celebrated South African actor known for his compelling performances, has announced his decision to step away from the spotlight. In a poignant farewell, he recently shared his last audition video, providing an intimate glimpse into the life behind the scenes for aspiring actors. Abdul Khoza, award-winnning actor, has shared his final audition video, signalling his retirement from a celebrated acting career filled with unforgettable performances. Khoza has announced his decision, providing an intimate glimpse into the life behind the scenes for aspiring actors in his last audition video. The beloved actor widely celebrated for his gripping portrayal of various memorable characters, notably the intense Qaphela on the hit telenovela Isibaya , expressed his gratitude for the support he has received throughout his career. The role has also seen him win a prestigious South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) Golden Horn for a character that showcased his remarkable versatility as both a fierce killing machine and a man seeking redemption. In his heartfelt message shared on Instagram, Khoza noted, 'So I decided to share one of my last auditions that I did this year before I decided to simply quit acting. This is a way for me to show those who still wish to pursue a career in acting that we all go through the audition processes. For an actor to get a role, they are required to audition, and this is my last self-tape. I hope that it gives you a better understanding of the process and how we do it. Thank you to @spholaricky for reading this with me.' His talent is also on display in his portrayal of Zembe, a ruthless businessman dealing in 'protection fees', in the gripping series My Brother's Keeper Season 2. The actor gained further acclaim through his performance in The Wife , which has captivated audiences across South Africa and outperformed all other programmes on the Showmax platform. The series broke records as the most viewed on Showmax and claimed multiple accolades, including the 2022 DStv Mzansi Magic Viewers' Choice Awards for Best Actor for Khoza and his co-star Bonko Khoza. At the 2022 SAFTAs, The Wife received nominations in ten categories, winning Best Telenovela, Best Actor, and Supporting Actor for its standout performances. Khoza's contributions to the industry have been lauded as he departs with deep appreciation. 'Last but not least: THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO EVER SUPPORTED MY JOURNEY AS AN ACTOR; I AM HONOURED TO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SHARE MY TALENTS WITH YOU. I WOULD HAVE NEVER KNOWN MY OWN TALENT WITHOUT YOU.' [email protected] Saturday Star
IOL News
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Abdul Khoza bids farewell to acting with last audition video
Abdul Khoza, the celebrated South African actor known for his compelling performances, has announced his decision to step away from the spotlight. In a poignant farewell, he recently shared his last audition video, providing an intimate glimpse into the life behind the scenes for aspiring actors. Abdul Khoza, the celebrated South African actor known for his compelling performances, has announced his decision to step away from the spotlight. In a poignant farewell, he recently shared his last audition video, providing an intimate glimpse into the life behind the scenes for aspiring actors. Abdul Khoza, award-winnning actor, has shared his final audition video, signalling his retirement from a celebrated acting career filled with unforgettable performances. Khoza has announced his decision, providing an intimate glimpse into the life behind the scenes for aspiring actors in his last audition video. The beloved actor widely celebrated for his gripping portrayal of various memorable characters, notably the intense Qaphela on the hit telenovela Isibaya, expressed his gratitude for the support he has received throughout his career. The role has also seen him win a prestigious South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) Golden Horn for a character that showcased his remarkable versatility as both a fierce killing machine and a man seeking redemption. In his heartfelt message shared on Instagram, Khoza noted, 'So I decided to share one of my last auditions that I did this year before I decided to simply quit acting. This is a way for me to show those who still wish to pursue a career in acting that we all go through the audition processes. For an actor to get a role, they are required to audition, and this is my last self-tape. I hope that it gives you a better understanding of the process and how we do it. Thank you to @spholaricky for reading this with me.' His talent is also on display in his portrayal of Zembe, a ruthless businessman dealing in 'protection fees', in the gripping series My Brother's Keeper Season 2. The actor gained further acclaim through his performance in The Wife, which has captivated audiences across South Africa and outperformed all other programmes on the Showmax platform. The series broke records as the most viewed on Showmax and claimed multiple accolades, including the 2022 DStv Mzansi Magic Viewers' Choice Awards for Best Actor for Khoza and his co-star Bonko Khoza. At the 2022 SAFTAs, The Wife received nominations in ten categories, winning Best Telenovela, Best Actor, and Supporting Actor for its standout performances. Khoza's contributions to the industry have been lauded as he departs with deep appreciation. 'Last but not least: THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO EVER SUPPORTED MY JOURNEY AS AN ACTOR; I AM HONOURED TO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SHARE MY TALENTS WITH YOU. I WOULD HAVE NEVER KNOWN MY OWN TALENT WITHOUT YOU.' Saturday Star
