Mostly known for playing the role of Meneer Manaka in Skeem Saam, Skhumbuzo Mbatha has apparently been arrested for drunk driving. You did indeed read right!
Though several sources have verified it, the news shocks many of his fans. According to reports, on Saturday night at roughly 8:30 pm he was stopped at a roadblock in Parktown, Johannesburg. Pulling over a white Nissan Navara, police from the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) discovered something odd: an alcohol smell.
Particularly regarding someone as much loved as Meneer Manaka, this is not the kind of news anyone wants to hear. He has always given Skeem Saam a lovely and respectable presence. Ultimately, though, actors are people too, and occasionally people make bad decisions.
Reports state that when the cops asked him to undergo a breathalyzer test, the findings were not in his favour. With a reading of 0.51 mg/l, the test revealed above the legal alcohol limit for South Africa. That is absolutely not good.
Before bringing him to the Parkwood police station, the cops indeed took a blood sample. He was formally charged there then released on R1,500 bail. At least he avoided spending the night in jail, but otherwise his night was most likely not great either way.
What Follows Next?
The main concern now is: what this implies for Skhumbuzo Mbatha? He is supposed to show up for court shortly, and the result will guide his next actions. Should he be found guilty, he might be subjected to fines, community service, or perhaps a suspended jail term. The law does not take drunk driving lightly since it puts people’s life in risk. It is a major crime.
Still, the legal ramifications are only one issue. This event might also influence his career. The SABC, which runs Skeem Saam, will act? Will Thobela FM, where he co-hosts Ntshirogele, keeps working with him. It’s difficult to express. While some companies give their stars a second chance, others take a strong position—especially if the matter could damage their standing.
How will this affect Skeem Saam?
Many viewers are now asking: will Meneer Manaka be absent from the show for some time? Will he be obliged to publicly apologies? Should he take a break, will Lethabo “Lejoy” Mathatho, his co-host, have to run their show alone? Right now, everyone is wondering these things.
Skhumbuzo has not responded when the media has tried to get in touch for a remark. He has not responded to WhatsApp messages and his phone rings unactivated. He seems to be temporarily avoiding press for now, which makes sense. Most likely, he finds what happened embarrassing. In the long run, though, facing the circumstances and speaking out could be the best thing he could do.
Not even the cops offered many specifics. Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, a Gauteng police spokesman, said she could only verify the matter later since she lacked instantaneous system access.
Last Views
For Skhumbuzo Mbatha, this is a difficult circumstances. Though many of the supporters are let down, everyone makes mistakes. Right now, his attitude to the matter counts. Will he take ownership and grow from this? Only time will say.
Right now, everyone is focused on his forthcoming court appearance and how this will impact his career. Let’s wait to see what comes next.
