Nkanyiso Mchunu Arrested for Alleged Drunk Driving in Randburg
Nkanyiso Mchunu, a well-known South African actor, has recently made headlines for the wrong reasons.
The former Uzalo and Muvhango star was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, an incident that could have serious legal consequences for the popular actor. The 34-year-old, who currently portrays the character Ndumiso in the popular Mzansi Magic drama series My Brother’s Keeper, was detained by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) during a roadblock operation on September 9, 2024, in Randburg.
According to an anonymous source within the police department, Mchunu was stopped as part of a routine check by JMPD officers. “It was a routine operation in Randburg; he was stopped, and we suspected that he was under the influence of alcohol,” the officer told City Press. The officer further explained that Mchunu was asked to exit his vehicle and undergo a breathalyser test, which revealed that his blood alcohol level was above the legal limit. As a result, Mchunu was detained on the spot.
Police spokesperson Mavela Masondo confirmed the arrest, noting that Mchunu was subsequently released on R500 police bail. However, the actor’s arrest did not go without controversy. Another officer involved in the operation revealed that Mchunu allegedly attempted to leverage his celebrity status to avoid arrest. “He wanted to use his celebrity status to avert arrest, but we insisted on detaining him,” Mchunu’s run-in with the law has sparked considerable public interest, particularly given his prominent role in the South African entertainment industry. Aside from his current role in My Brother’s Keeper, Mchunu has built a successful career in television. He had a brief role in the SABC1 drama series Soul City, did a voiceover for an Absa commercial, and starred in a television advert for MTN. In 2019, he joined the cast of the e.tv soapie Imbewu: The Seed, where he portrayed the character Nkululeko, a mysterious figure with a troubled past. Mchunu’s tenure on Imbewu ended in early 2022 when he announced his departure from the show on Facebook, stating, “This is me signing out … Myself and Imbewu have decided to end our working relationship.” He was later replaced in the role by actor Kay Sibiya.
Nkanyiso Mchunu Arrested for Alleged Drunk Driving in Randburg
South African actor Nkanyiso Mchunu, renowned for his roles in popular TV series such as Uzalo and Muvhango, finds himself in legal trouble after being detained on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. The 34-year-old actor, who currently stars as Ndumiso in Mzansi Magic’s drama series My Brother’s Keeper, was arrested during a roadblock operation conducted by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) on September 9, 2024, in Randburg.
The incident occurred during a routine operation by the JMPD, where officers were conducting random checks on vehicles in the area. According to an anonymous source within the police department, Mchunu was pulled over as part of this operation. “It was a routine operation in Randburg; he was stopped, and we suspected that he was under the influence of alcohol. We asked him to step out of the vehicle so he could take a breathalyser test. It was then discovered that he was above the legal limit, and he was subsequently detained,” the officer told City Press.
Mchunu’s arrest has raised concerns not only among his fans but also within the entertainment industry, as the actor is known for his prominent roles in several high-profile television shows. Following his arrest, Mchunu was granted R500 police bail, as confirmed by police spokesperson Mavela Masondo. However, the situation escalated when another officer involved in the arrest revealed that Mchunu allegedly attempted to use his celebrity status to avoid being detained. “He wanted to use his celebrity status to avert arrest, but we insisted on detaining him,” the officer disclosed.
Nkanyiso Mchunu’s career has been marked by a series of successful roles across various television series. He first gained recognition for his role in the SABC1 drama series Soul City, where he made a brief but impactful appearance. His versatility as an actor was further demonstrated when he landed a voiceover role for an Absa commercial and starred in a television advert for MTN. In 2019, Mchunu joined the cast of the e.tv soapie Imbewu: The Seed, where he portrayed the character Nkululeko, a mysterious stranger with a troubled past. His performance in Imbewu earned him significant acclaim, but his time on the show came to an end in early 2022. Mchunu announced his departure from the show via Facebook, stating, “This is me signing out … Myself and Imbewu have decided to end our working relationship.” He was later replaced by actor Kay Sibiya.
This is not the first time a public figure in South Africa has faced legal issues related to drunk driving. In August 2023, SABC presenter Samora Mangesi was arrested in Johannesburg for a similar offense. Like Mchunu, Mangesi was granted R500 police bail.
As of now, Nkanyiso Mchunu has not responded to media inquiries regarding the incident. Despite several attempts to reach him, his phone went unanswered, and he did not reply to a written inquiry. The situation leaves many questions unanswered, particularly regarding the potential legal consequences Mchunu may face if found guilty of driving under the influence.
This incident has once again highlighted the challenges that come with celebrity status, where public figures are expected to serve as role models while navigating their personal lives under public scrutiny. For Nkanyiso Mchunu, this arrest could have significant ramifications for both his career and personal life, depending on the outcome of the legal process. As fans and industry insiders await further developments, the case serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with fame and the importance of adhering to the law, regardless of one’s public status
