Radio personality and actor Skhumbuzo Mbatha has found himself in legal trouble after being arrested for drunken driving on Saturday night. The popular actor, known for his role as Meneer Manaka on Skeem Saam and as a co-presenter on Ntshirogele on Thobela FM, was caught at a roadblock in Parktown, Johannesburg.
Mbatha, driving a white Nissan Navara, was stopped by officers from the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) around 8:30 p.m. Officials noticed the smell of alcohol on his breath, prompting them to administer a breathalyzer test. The result came back with a reading of 0.51 mg/l, exceeding the legal alcohol limit for drivers in South Africa.
Following the breathalyzer test, Mbatha’s blood sample was drawn for further testing. The police then took him to Parkwood Police Station where he was charged with drunken driving and booked accordingly.
Mbatha was later granted bail of R1,500 and is set to appear in court this week. Attempts to reach Mbatha for comment were unsuccessful, as his phone went unanswered, and he did not respond to WhatsApp messages.
Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed the arrest but stated she could provide further details only once she has access to the system.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
