Nkanyiso Mchunu is a familiar face on South African television screens who is known for his roles in popular dramas like Uzalo, Muvhango, and currently My Brother’s Keeper, has found himself on the wrong side of the law.
The 34-year-old actor was arrested earlier this week for driving under the influence of alcohol, facing potential fines or even jail time.
The incident occurred on Monday, 9 September, during a routine roadblock operation conducted by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) in Randburg. According to a police officer, who spoke to City Press on condition of anonymity, Mchunu was stopped and found to be above the legal limit after a breathalyser test.
"It was a routine operation in Randburg; he was stopped, we suspected that he was under the influence of alcohol and we asked him to step out of the vehicle so he could take a breathalyser test. It was then discovered that he was above the legal limit and he was then detained," the officer revealed.
However, Mchunu's arrest was not without incident. The officer recounted that Mchunu attempted to use his celebrity status to avoid arrest, displaying a disrespectful attitude towards the officers.
"He was quite disrespectful and he wanted to prevent us from doing our duties, he told us that he can’t be arrested because he is famous," the officer said.
Despite his attempts to evade arrest, Mchunu was detained and released on police bail of R500. Police spokesperson Mavela Masondo confirmed the arrest, stating that Mchunu was apprehended while driving a BMW X1 on Malibongwe Drive and N1, Strydom Park Randburg.
"On Monday, 9 September 2024 at approximately 9pm, members of the JMPD held a roadblock on Malibongwe Drive and N1, Strydom Park Randburg," Masondo said.
"The driver of a BMW X1 was stopped and found to be under the influence of alcohol. The suspect was detained and released on bail."
This incident follows a similar arrest of SABC presenter Samora Mangesi in August 2023, who was also granted police bail of R500 for driving under the influence.
Mchunu's career has seen him grace the screens of several popular South African television series, including Uzalo, Muvhango, Soul City, and Imbewu: The Seed. He also lent his voice to an Absa commercial and appeared in a television advert for MTN.
However, despite his successful acting career, Mchunu's recent arrest raises questions about his judgment and responsibility. This incident could potentially have a negative impact on his career and reputation, especially considering the seriousness of the offence.
City Press reached out to Mchunu for comment, but he did not respond to calls or a written inquiry.
