Ten Mzansi Actors you didn’t know were once arrested in real life

The glitz and glamour of showbiz often hide the personal struggles of celebrities. In South Africa, several actors who have graced our screens with memorable performances have found themselves in trouble with the law. Here are ten South African actors who have been arrested over the years, and the stories behind their legal battles.

### 1. **Khanya Mkangisa**
Khanya Mkangisa, known for her roles in *Isidingo* and *The Queen*, made headlines in 2019 when she was arrested for a hit-and-run incident. A video of her confrontation with the police went viral, raising public debate. Khanya later apologized for her behavior but remained a trending topic for weeks.

### 2. **Zola 7 (Bonginkosi Dlamini)**
Famed for his role in *Yizo Yizo* and as a TV host on *Zola 7*, Bonginkosi Dlamini (Zola 7) has had multiple run-ins with the law. He has been arrested in the past on allegations of assault and failure to pay child support, though some charges were later dropped.

### 3. **Siphiwe Mtshali**
Siphiwe Mtshali, another *Yizo Yizo* star, was once arrested for driving under the influence. The actor was stopped at a police roadblock and later found guilty of drunk driving, a charge that led to public outcry given his positive image on-screen.

### 4. **Sophie Ndaba**
Beloved for her role as Queen Moroka on *Generations*, Sophie Ndaba was arrested in 2014 over an alleged unpaid debt related to a wedding planning business. Though the issue was later resolved, the event shocked fans, especially given her iconic status in the industry.

### 5. **Mandoza (Mduduzi Tshabalala)**
The late kwaito legend and *Backstage* actor Mandoza had his fair share of legal trouble. He was arrested for drunk driving in 2008, and a second arrest followed when he failed to appear in court. Despite his legal woes, Mandoza remained a much-loved figure until his untimely death in 2016.

### 6. **Dumisani Dlamini**
Dumisani Dlamini, a well-known actor and father of international star Doja Cat, was arrested in 2017 for defaulting on child support payments. Dlamini, who starred in *Sarafina!*, faced backlash for failing to support his children financially, and his legal issues have been a recurring theme in the media.

### 7. **Ntando Duma**
Actress Ntando Duma, famous for her role in *The Queen*, found herself in hot water in 2020 when she was accused of breaking lockdown regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The arrest came after she was seen hosting a gathering at a time when social distancing rules were in full effect.

### 8. **Brickz (Sipho Ndlovu)**
Kwaito star and actor Sipho Ndlovu, popularly known as Brickz, faced a high-profile legal battle after being arrested for rape. In 2017, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison for the crime. The case shocked many South Africans, as Brickz had been a household name for years.

### 9. **Thami Mngqolo**
*Generations* actor Thami Mngqolo, who played Senzo Dlomo, was arrested in 2018 for an alleged assault. The incident involved a public altercation, and although the charges were eventually dropped, it tarnished his reputation.

### 10. **Lebo Mathosa**
The late Lebo Mathosa, known for her music and acting roles in shows like *Backstage*, was arrested multiple times throughout her career. One of her most notable arrests occurred in 2005 when she was caught speeding and was later charged with reckless driving. Her bold personality made her arrests headline news, but her legal troubles never overshadowed her immense talent.

### Conclusion
While these actors have all made mistakes, many of them have used their experiences to reflect, grow, and move forward. In the spotlight, even the smallest slip-ups can lead to public scrutiny, and these celebrities have had to face the consequences of their actions, both in court and in the eyes of their fans.