The eTV drama Scandal! has gripped South African viewers once again, this time with a chilling storyline that delves into the painful realities of childhood trauma and abuse. The show’s beloved character, Tlhogi — portrayed by Makoma Mohale — is at the centre of a shocking revelation as she recalls a deeply traumatic memory from her past involving her uncle, Lebone.
Fans of the long-running soapie have been left uneasy, fearing that Lihle’s parents and Tlhogi will not reach her in time before Lebone, a man posing as a tutor, harms her. Viewers have taken to social media to condemn Lebone’s predatory behaviour and praise the show for shedding light on such sensitive societal issues.
According to Scandal! teasers for mid-October, Tlhogi’s repressed childhood memory begins to resurface as she pieces together clues about her uncle’s disturbing past. The teaser for Wednesday, 15 October reads: “A memory sparks a clue, igniting a race against time.” Later in the month, on Tuesday, 21 October, viewers can expect Tlhogi to face the horrifying truth about what really happened in her childhood.
When Lebone was first introduced, Tlhogi had questioned why her late mother had banned him from attending family gatherings, as she remembered him being a “nice uncle.” Lebone avoided answering her questions — a moment that now holds deeper meaning as his sinister behaviour unfolds.
In recent episodes, Lebone was seen taking his 18-year-old student, Lihle, on an unapproved getaway, sparking panic among her parents. To make matters worse, his 15-year-old pregnant girlfriend confronted him at Levels Café for abandoning her — confirming viewers’ suspicions about his pattern of grooming and manipulation.
Social media has erupted with reactions from viewers, who have been both horrified and captivated by the storyline. One viewer, @linnyanzira, wrote: “Establishments that allow young girls in hotel rooms with old men should be banned. #etvScandal.” Another user, @MsCougar21, expressed anger, saying: “I’m gonna need Nhloso to give this Lebone a good beating when they find him.”
Others praised actor Charles Phasha, who plays Lebone, for his convincing yet chilling portrayal of the abuser. “This male actor deserves flowers for being able to pull off such a role,” wrote @NoniNhlaks.
Fans are now hoping the story concludes with justice served, as one viewer commented: “I just hope you guys wrap up this Lebone and Lihle storyline soon. This is too heavy.”
Beyond its dramatic entertainment value, Scandal! continues to use its platform to highlight important social issues, including child abuse, manipulation, and the long-lasting scars of trauma.
Meanwhile, the show also recently made headlines for featuring reality TV star Musa Mseleku, who joined the Gasa family in a cameo appearance, sparking excitement among fans online.
As the October storyline unfolds, viewers are bracing for emotional revelations as Tlhogi confronts her past — and exposes the monster that her family once trusted.
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