Cape Town – South African actor Bonko Khoza has publicly responded to allegations made against him by actress Nirvana Nokwe-Mseleku following an incident that allegedly occurred during the filming of Red Ink in September 2023.
The matter resurfaced after Nokwe-Mseleku posted an emotional video on Instagram in which she revealed that she no longer wishes to continue acting in traditional media.
In the video, the actress—known for her roles in Outlaws and Red Ink—alleged that she experienced abuse while working in the entertainment industry.
View this post on Instagram
“I am not going back to acting. I will never put myself in a position where I’m being told that my body is not mine,” she said.
Nokwe-Mseleku also alleged that she was sexually assaulted on set and claimed she was discouraged from reporting the matter. Audio clips detailing her experience have since circulated widely on social media.
“I’m being told I’ll never work if I speak out or if I report this to those organisations,” she said.
Speaking further about the impact the experience had on her, Nokwe-Mseleku said the ordeal left her emotionally shattered.
“It broke me. I’m still building myself,” she said.
The actress added that she now wants to prioritise her wellbeing, family and community, while focusing on independent projects outside mainstream entertainment.
“I don’t love it anymore. Now I just love myself, and I want to be well, and I want my family to be well and my community to be well,” she said.
She also indicated that she intends continuing to share her creative work through her own platforms.
In response, Khoza released a detailed three-page statement on Instagram on 18 May, strongly denying all allegations of sexual misconduct. He said both internal investigations and a police inquiry found no basis for prosecution.
View this post on Instagram
“I stand by victims of sexual assault, however, I deny that I sexually assaulted, thrusted upon or committed any misconduct in respect of Ms. Nokwe-Mseleku and the production,” he wrote.
Khoza said that the scene in question was filmed in the presence of more than 12 crew members and was carried out according to the script and choreography agreed upon beforehand.
“Every action I performed on set that night was strictly in line with the script, the choreography agreed upon with the directors and stunt coordinator, and under the supervision of senior production personnel,” he said.
According to Khoza, he later participated in meetings and a broader review process involving Red Ink Productions, M-Net, SWIFT representatives, senior crew members and agents from both sides.
He claimed that after reviewing unedited footage from the production, those involved concluded there had been “no thrusting, sexual misconduct, or criminal behaviour”.
“The footage simply did not support the allegation,” the statement read.
Khoza further revealed that Nokwe-Mseleku allegedly opened a criminal case against him in May 2024. He said he was interviewed by police at Braamfontein Police Station and submitted a sworn statement.
“I became aware early last year that the police investigated the matter and after considering the facts, the authorities did not prosecute the matter,” he stated.
Despite denying the allegations, Khoza acknowledged the seriousness of concerns surrounding sexual violence in South Africa.
“The concerns raised by Ms. Nokwe-Mseleku deserve proper attention, more so knowing that we live in a society that is plagued by sexual violence,” he said.
He also alleged that Nokwe-Mseleku had previously made similar accusations involving other actors and productions, describing the alleged pattern as “deeply troubling”.
Khoza concluded by saying the allegations had significantly affected his personal life, family and professional reputation over the past two-and-a-half years. He added that he intends continuing to defend himself through legal channels.
“I remain committed to safe, respectful, and professional working environments for all performers,” he said.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: Instagram/ Bonko Khoza
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
