Nkanyiso Mchunu, a well-known South African actor celebrated for his roles in hit TV dramas like *Uzalo*, *Muvhango*, and *My Brother’s Keeper*, has recently found himself in legal trouble. The 34-year-old actor was arrested earlier this week under charges related to driving under the influence of alcohol, potentially facing significant fines or even jail time.
The arrest occurred on Monday, September 9, during a routine roadblock operation conducted by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) in Randburg. According to a police officer who spoke anonymously to City Press, Mchunu was stopped at the roadblock and found to be over the legal alcohol limit following a breathalyser test.
“It was a routine operation in Randburg; he was stopped, suspected of being under the influence, and asked to undergo a breathalyser test,” the officer explained. “The test confirmed he was above the legal limit, and he was subsequently detained.”
The situation escalated when Mchunu reportedly used his celebrity status in an attempt to avoid arrest, displaying a notably disrespectful attitude towards the officers. The officer described Mchunu as being “quite disrespectful” and insisting that his fame should exempt him from legal consequences.
Despite his efforts to evade arrest, Mchunu was detained and later released on bail set at R500. Police spokesperson Mavela Masondo confirmed the details of the arrest, noting that Mchunu was driving a BMW X1 at the time of his apprehension. “On Monday, September 9, 2024, at approximately 9 p.m., the JMPD conducted a roadblock on Malibongwe Drive and N1 in Strydom Park, Randburg. The driver of a BMW X1 was found to be under the influence and was detained, then released on bail,” Masondo said.
This incident mirrors a similar arrest in August 2023 involving SABC presenter Samora Mangesi, who also faced charges for driving under the influence and was granted bail of R500.
Mchunu’s career, which includes notable appearances in *Uzalo*, *Muvhango*, *Soul City*, and *Imbewu: The Seed*, along with commercial work for Absa and MTN, is now at risk. The recent arrest raises concerns about his judgment and could potentially harm his reputation and career prospects, given the seriousness of the offence.
City Press attempted to reach Mchunu for comment but did not receive a response to either calls or written inquiries. As Mchunu deals with the legal consequences of this incident, the impact on his career and public image remains to be seen.