South Africa is deeply divided after actress Nirvana Nokwe-Mseleku alleged that her Red Ink co-star, Bonko Khoza, sexually violated her during a fully-clothed, violent stunt scene on September 10. Khoza has denied the allegations. His official statement, shared on May 18, 2026, has sparked intense discourse across the internet.

The award-winning actor’s response comes after Nokwe-Mseleku detailed her ordeal in a series of social media posts, declaring that she will not return to acting after being violated on set. She shared that despite the scene being choreographed and boundaries being discussed beforehand, those boundaries were crossed. She further noted that she reported the matter to production executives, but her complaints were ignored.

Nokwe-Mseleku later opened a criminal case at the Braamfontein Police Station, but the investigation yielded no results. In one of her social media posts, she shared an audio recording of her conversation with the investigating officer. In the clip, the officer appeared dismissive, questioning whether she could prove her claims.

However, Khoza recently released a statement denying all accusations made by the actress.

“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. I do not take that context lightly. However, these important issues cannot be advanced by placing false accusations at my feet. I am aware that similar allegations have been made by Ms. Nokwe-Mseleku against other actors and cast members in unrelated matters, and the pattern is deeply troubling,” the statement read.

The situation has divided South Africans. Some social media users have skeptically claimed that the actress simply no longer wants an acting career. On the other hand, many have expressed outrage and sympathy, arguing that the South African Police Service (SAPS) handled the issue insensitively. Critics argue that this response highlights a systemic failure in tackling the country’s ongoing national crisis: gender-based violence.

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