Most awaited South African crime series 'Umthetho', from 'Lockdown' director, is landing on Netflix
This seven-episode series is a compelling adaptation of the successful Brazilian Netflix show 'Brotherhood.' Directed by Mandla N, Johnny Barbuzano, and Jonathan “Jono” Hall, it boasts an impressive cast including Tony Kgoroge and Nqobile Nunu Khumalo
Netflix is bringing out an intriguing series that should interest fans of the crime genre. Titled “Umthetho”, the seven-episode South African crime thriller premieres globally on Netflix on August 14, 2026. Interestingly, “Umthetho” is an adaptation of the hit Brazilian Netflix series “Brotherhood”
Netflix is bringing out an intriguing series that should interest fans of the crime genre. Titled “Umthetho”, the seven-episode South African crime thriller premieres globally on Netflix on August 14, 2026. Interestingly, “Umthetho” is an adaptation of the hit Brazilian Netflix series “Brotherhood”
Netflix is bringing out an intriguing series that should interest fans of the crime genre. Titled “Umthetho”, the seven-episode South African crime thriller premieres globally on Netflix on August 14, 2026. Interestingly, “Umthetho” is an adaptation of the hit Brazilian Netflix series “Brotherhood”
Netflix is bringing out an intriguing series that should interest fans of the crime genre. Titled “Umthetho”, the seven-episode South African crime thriller premieres globally on Netflix on August 14, 2026.
Interestingly, “Umthetho” is an adaptation of the hit Brazilian Netflix series “Brotherhood” (Irmandade).
Directed by Mandla N, Johnny Barbuzano, and Jonathan “Jono” Hall, the show features an all-star ensemble including Tony Kgoroge, Nqobile Nunu Khumalo, Sindi Dlathu, Lorcia Cooper, Ernest Msibi, and SK Khoza.
The story follows Mbali (played by Nqobile Nunu Khumalo), an idealistic public prosecutor whose life is upended when she learns that her long-lost older brother, Moses (played by Tony Kgoroge), is alive and running a ruthless prison syndicate. When a crisis puts their youngest brother, Sphelele, in peril, she is forced to become a double agent within her brother's gang, torn between family loyalty and her legal duty.
The original Brazilian series, created by Pedro Morelli, premiered on Netflix in 2019 and ran for two seasons. The South African adaptation mirrors its core premise, translating the dangerous criminal landscape of 1990s São Paulo into a modern South African setting.
In “Brotherhood”, Cristina is an honest lawyer who discovers her estranged brother is in prison and leading a rising criminal faction. In “Umthetho”, this character becomes Mbali, an idealistic public prosecutor.
The Brazilian character Edson, the ruthless leader of the prison gang, is adapted into the South African character Moses (played by Tony Kgoroge). Both shows retain the core idea: the sister being forced by police to become an informant, forcing her to walk a dangerous line between family loyalty and the law.
Acclaimed South African production powerhouse Black Brain Pictures, run by director Mandla N, is bankrolling the series. The company is known for another popular South African crime series, “Lockdown”, which was set in a female prison. “Umthetho” is expected to be along similar lines, since both deal with the same harsh prison realities, gang syndicates, and survival tactics.
Founded in 2004, Black Brain Pictures is one of South Africa’s most dominant and accomplished production houses. They have won over 30 SAFTA (South African Film and Television Awards) Golden Horns across multiple genres, spanning gritty prison dramas, prime-time telenovelas, and iconic comedies.