![Meet the cast of SABC1’s new drama series ‘Identity’ [watch]](https://atomicdigest.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/fig-18-01-2024_05-27-09-1170x658.jpg)
Played by award-winning actor Bongile Mantsai, Melusi Skhakhane (also known as Lazarus) is a pastor-turned-cop who goes missing. He is presumed dead, only to wake up in a hospital in Hillbrow with amnesia. He then goes on a quest to rediscover his identity.
Mantasai is best known in e.tv’s Scandal as Mthunzi, whike others will remember him as Mkhuseleli (MK) in season two of Mzansi Magic’s The Republic. In both shows he plays a villian who does everything he can to conspire against and topple those in power.
However, this time around, he will play a pastor – a role that is different but very close to home because he is s pastor in real life.
“I am tired of always playing a villain. I also want to challenge myself so that viewers can see another side of me,” he told Drum Magazine about his role in Identity.
MEET THE REST OF THE CAST IN ‘IDENTITY’
According to the channel, Skhakhane is a celebrated police officer whose life takes a drastic detour when tragedy strikes, resulting in him becoming the most wanted criminal in South Africa.
Linked to him are the women in his life, his loving wife of 20 years Gugulethu Mboma, and his ambitious side chick Phumzile.
Ayanda Bandla (Nqobile and uBettina Wethu) plays the role of Gugulethu Mboma, and Asanda Hanabe (The Queen) plays the role of the side chick Phumzile in Identity.
When Melusi’s life is turned upside down in the underground world, viewers meet Panyaza, a ruthless serial businessman who will stop at nothing to grow his wealth to get what he wants. He belongs to an international syndicate that has its eyes on taking over cities in SA, and they have prioritized Johannesburg as their first project.
Panyaza and Melusi’s worlds collide over a woman. Panyaza is played by Zigi Ndlovu (Emjindini and Broken Vows).
Other characters include What What, played by Graeme Kriega (Ashes to Ashes), a double-sided man, Jafta, played by Zizi Peteni (Home Affairs and Jacob’s Cross) as well as Goofy, played by Otto Nobela (Queen Sono).