This production follows the story of Lungisani Ngobese, a man falsely imprisoned for a rape he didn't commit. Even worse, he was accused of raping his own daughter. He spent 13 years behind bars before he was acquitted.
Despite a complete lack of evidence Lungisani was convicted, based on inconsistent and shaky coached testimony as well as discredited forensic evidence that extoled the wonders of forensics. Lungisani's anguish due to unlawful imprisonment, and the resultant emotional upheaval worsened when prisoners gang-raped him.
With the help of a human rights advocate, he made another appeal based on new evidence. In light of the new evidence, Lungisani was acquitted. Upon his release, he had a deep-seated sense of betrayal by the justice system and his fiance.
After everything that happened, does he wait patiently for the government to pay him millions in compensation, or does he do whatever he can to cleanse his name?
This story is narrated by a multi-lingual cast of four actors and two musicians. Their voices bring to life the silenced and untold stories of wrongful convictions through drama, music, poetry and movement that harbour cancerous pain.
Production Credits
Writer - Bongani Mbatha
Director - Bongani Mbatha
Production Mnager - Zama Mngadi
Cast - Wandile Nodliwa, Nomthandazo Nkosi, Nobuhle Nxumalo, Mthobisi, Hloniphani Mthethwa, and Lindokuhle Mbambo
About the Artists
BONGANI MBATHA
A versatile performer, writer, indepedent producer and director, Bongani Mbatha has done many stage plays as well as film and television. He played Mr Dlamini in NIKIWE on ETV, and Qiniso in Sibongile and The Dlamini's on Mzansi Magic channel 163. In 2025 he appeared on AMALANGA AWAFANI (SABC 1) as Malume Ali. Bongani has also appeared in a string of adverts and on Mzansi Magic series eHostela S1, Sawubona we Lova, Forbidden Love, eTV's IMBEWU, Durban Gen and Uzalo on SABC1 as Khumbulani. He appeared on stage in the theatrical productions like Maluju Zulu, Ngicela Uxolo, Si Right, Sophiatown, Skungpoomery, Sweetie Darling, ZemQadini, Bigly Yuge and Behind Her Mic. Bongani is also noted for having worked with legendary directors such as the late Themi Venturas, Ralph Lawson, Mbongeni Ngema, Philisiwe Twinjstra, Faca Khulu, Zeph Nzama, Thabo Mnguni, Thami Sikhosana and Siboniso Msimango
With his everlasting passion and contribution to the industry, he's produced and directed countless plays and set works. These included, among others, Bigly Yuge, The Missing Hitman, Zishaphi, My Children My Africa, Dusted Gold, Impi Yabomdabu Isethunjini, All Gone, Bengithi Lizokuna, ZemQadini and ABAPHANSI! a Standing Ovation Award winner (2024).
ZAMA MNGADI
Zama is a trained radio presenter and a professional stage manager from eNdwedwe, who grew up in KwaMashu, KZN. This talented, educated and inspirational young lady wears different hats in the creative industry and artistic space. She trained and mentored at KwaMashu Multi-Arts Center and is currently working with Bongani Mbatha (Moving Acts Productions) as a production coordinator/stage manager in shows like The Missing Hitman, ZemQadini, Bigly Yuge, Sweetie Dariling, Dusted Gold and ABAPHANSI, a Standing Ovation Award Winner (NAF 2024). She was a content producer on UKHOZI FM for two feature shows 'Sihleli Ekhoneni and Isigcawu Samaciko. Zama has been working as a PR and Marketing Manager for Umlazi International Film Festival. She directed a few shows for Assitej SA Sef 4 programmes including Girl Power, and she is an active facilitator for Assitej SA.
WANDILE ARTHUR NODLIWA
Wandile Arthur Nodliwa is an actor, theatre director, fitness trainer and a martial artist. Nodliwa started his artistic journey in 2009 when he was doing karate in school competitions. After working with different groups doing community theatre between 2011 and 2014, he was introduced to dance by Gabriel Masango, where he learned the basics of dance. He was taken under Vusi Makhanya's wing where he was fully trained as a dancer in 2015. He took a leap of faith in 2016, and enrolled at the Durban University of Technology to study for a National Diploma in Drama and Production Studies. He graduated in 2019. Nodliwa has performed in various stages including The Stable Theatre, The Courtyard Theatre, PopArt Theatre, Rhodes Theatre (Makhanda), Folkwang Theatre (Germany), and The Playhouse Loft. He has appeared in a few tv/film productions.
In 2021 he starred in a short film titled A BETTER WAY TO DIE that was funded by KwaZulu Natal Film Commission and BET Africa. In 2022 he directed a play titled THE BABY IS CRYING that was part of The Playhouse Company Community Arts Festival under the leadership of the late Mbongeni Ngema and Jerry Pooe. The same play won a Standing Ovation Award in 2025 in Makhanda. He is currently working as a drama and dance facilitator for Assitej South Africa under a programme called the Social Employment Fund. He played a lead role in an Award winning play "ABAPHANSI" that was staged at The Playhouse, Makhanda NAF and The Stable Theatre, in 2024. His last stage performance was in ISITHA SABANTU at The Market Theatre, produced by Empatheatre directed by Neil Coppen.
NOMTHANDAZO CELE
Nomthandazo is a prominent actress, MC, TV and Radio presenter. She is a community builder and runs a non profit organisation that does sports programmes. She is a netball coach and a fitness trainer. She appeared in many theatre shows that were performed on big stages including the State Theatre, Market Theatre, Playhouse Company (DBN), The Stable Theatre, Makhanda NAF and Joburg Theatre, where she won BEST NEW COMER during the ISIGCAWU JOBURG FESTIVAL. She was mentored by the legendary Mr Kere Nyawo. She was playing a supporting role in an award winning play ABAPHANSI. She also appeared in many theatre shows including Dusted Gold.
NOBUHLE NXUMALO
Nobuhle is a 23 year old actor, singer and dancer born in a small township called Lindelani, in Durban. She went to Mbasela Primary School and later, went on to Umtapo High School where she completed her matric. Nobuhle holds a Diploma in Media Studies, completed at University of Zululand in Richards Bay. She then furthered her performing arts studies at KwaMashu Community Advancements Projects, where she was trained in Acting, Dance, and Music. The organisation specialises in Presenting, Directing, Stage Management, Sound, Lighting, Script Writing and Makeup. She has performed in festivals including INSIKA FESTIVAL, Ishashalazi Women Theatre Festival, Jomba Festival, Pincess Embo Festival, Night of the Youth. She also appeared in shows like Broadwalk, Masheranka, Clean Future and Nandi The Musical that was performed at The Playhouse Company, Guild Theatre and Ekhaya Multi Arts Center
HLONIPHANI MTHETHWA
Hloniphani Mthethwa popularly known as Hloniphani Art, views his artistry as a spiritual inheritance, a gift that sets him apart and guides every creative step he takes. Born and raised in Durban West, Catoridge, along the legendary uMsunduzi river, Hloniphani discovered his artistic voice at just eight years old. From that moment, his world expanded into music, theatre, and visual storytelling. A multi-talented craetive, Hloniphani effortlessly moves between roles: musician, actor, video editor, and theatre practitioner. With over 5 years of professional experience, he has performed across major stages and international borders. Hloniphani is a graduate of the incubation programme at Ekhaya Multi Arts Center, founded by the renowned Edmund Mhlongo. When he steps away from professional work, Hloniphani stays close to the roots of his creativity, playing guitar on the streets, spending time with children in his neighbourhood. Most weekends, you'll find him performing live or attending performances. Hloniphani's musical journey mixes sounds across continents, stages, and cultures. He represented South Africa in New Orleans during Africa Week, embodying the spirit of Nandi The Musical for International audiences (2019). He came out as a finalist at the BHODLOZA NZIMANDE FOUNDATION TALENT SEARCH (2019). He graced the stage of the UKZN Calabash, infusing it with emotional depth and sonic presence (2020). He was a feature performer at the King Cetshwayo Heritage Festival (2022). His voice made it to cinemas when he recorded the official soundtrack for the short film Trapped (2022). He claimed the title of eThekwini Youth Talent Show Winner (2022). Performed with AfroSoul & Vusani Isizwe Mawundlu at the Forklore Cultural Exchange Parade, in Italy (2023). He hosted a live concert called Le Eyabantu, featuring splendid artists, including Ndabezinhle Mntungwa, Ovuyonke, and African Zebra Kings (2025). He was an actor/musician in the provincial touring production AZANIA by Xola Mziwakhe (2019 to 2023) He participated in the Cultural Exchange Expo in New Delhi, India, performing in the theatre show Bayede Shaka in 2019. He also appeared in The Cursed Travellers that was staged at Courtyard in March this year. Recently he was featured in Thobani Nzuza's award winning production BOY NTULIKAZI in Durban SEABROOKE' THEATRE
LINDOKUHLE MBAMBO
Lindokuhle is a dynamic and versatile performing artist from Ntuzuma, Durban, whose work spans theatre, film, and live performance. A multi-talented creative, he is an accomplished actor, singer, dancer, percussionist, filmmaker and music director, known for his powerful stage presence and ability to move seamlessly between disciplines. He began building his performance career in 2018 with Nandi The Musical in Durban, where he showcased his skills as an actor, singer, and percussionist. His dedication to the craft quickly set him apart, leading to critical recognition in 2022 when he won Best Actor at Insika Theatre Festival for his role in Isililo Samadoda. In 2025 he played a multifaceted role in Am I A Hero at The Playhouse Company, contributing not only as an actor and a singer, but also a choreographer and music director – demonstrating his strength as both a performer and creative leader.
Beyond acting, Lindokuhle has established himself as a respected music director, singer, and percussionist in major productions and live performances. His credits include Isi'Manje Dance Musical (2020), Camdeboo (2024) and I Was Told (2025) at the National Arts Festival in Makhanda, Le Eyabantu Music Concert (2025), Behind Her Mic Musical (2026), and The Cursed Travellers (2026). His work in these productions highlights his ability to shape sound, rythm, and storytelling in compelling ways. Lindokuhle also appeared on Uzalo as a background performer and took a lead role in The Request Dovumentary (2025). Currently,Lindokuhle continues to grow his artistic footprint, working closely with artists such as Hloniphani Art, Ndabezinhle Mntungwa, and Buhle Mabanga as a music director, singer, and percussionist. His work is driven by a passion for authentic storytelling, cultural expression, and artistic excellence, positioning him as a rising force in South Africa's creative industry.
- Venue: Victoria Theatre
- Location: Victoria Girls' High School
- Ticket price: ZAR 80.00
- Programme type: The Fringe
- Genre: Theatre
- Duration: 60 minutes
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Ages:
10+

