Netflix’s latest South African crime drama, Umthetho, released August 14, 2026, is shaping up to be the kind of series that leaves audiences questioning its characters’ choices long after the credits roll.
Starring Nqobile “Nunu” Khumalo and Tony Kgoroge alongside a strong ensemble cast, the series explores the complicated intersections of family, love, loyalty and survival.
Khumalo plays Mbali, whose world is turned upside down when she discovers that her brother Moses, whom she believed was dead, is still alive. His unexpected return draws her into a dangerous world shaped by prison, family ties and difficult moral choices.
For Khumalo, bringing Mbali to life required her to explore the motivations behind decisions that audiences may struggle to understand.
“She was very brave, and she was very firm in her decision-making,” Khumalo explained. “She seemed to just be sure of things that I would think personally are crazy to do.”
Yet, she believes Mbali’s willingness to take those risks reflects the depth of her love for the people around her.
“I think that’s the courage that comes with loving people unconditionally,” Khumalo said, describing Mbali as one of the few characters in the series capable of such unconditional love.
Throughout the series, Mbali’s loyalties raise difficult questions about who she is ultimately fighting for – her brothers Moses and Sphelele, her love interest Zola, or perhaps herself.
Asked who Mbali ultimately chooses, Khumalo was unequivocal: “My brothers.”
“She doesn’t turn on Moses. She saves Sphelele, and the how of that is where the courage comes in.”
The series also reunites Khumalo with her Red Ink co-star Lorcia Cooper-Khumalo, who portrays Crystal Dlamini, Moses’ wife.
Crystal is a multifaceted character who balances several roles. She is a wife, mother and nurse, while also serving as a key figure within the brotherhood. In a male-dominated environment where her position is constantly at risk, she must continually demonstrate her strength and capability.
For Cooper-Khumalo, however, Crystal’s identity extends beyond the organisation’s gender dynamics.
Rather than approaching the role primarily as a woman operating in a male-dominated world, she chose to portray Crystal first and foremost as a person.
“I’m equal; I don’t separate that, not in my personal life, and I didn’t separate that for Crystal,” she said.
Her approach was rooted in confidence rather than a need to prove herself.
“For me, it was clear: I know what I’m doing, and I’m probably better than you at this job. I don’t need to prove it to you; I’ll just do it, and you’ll see.”
For Cooper-Khumalo, that perspective was central to building the character.
“I think it’s about being human before we’re male and female. I was very intentional going into it that Crystal would be human before she’s a woman.”
Through characters such as Mbali and Crystal, Umthetho looks beyond the conventions of the crime drama, using its story of danger and survival to explore the emotional complexities of family, loyalty, love and identity.
Umthetho is now streaming on Netflix
