
Outlaws' Keketso Mpitso on his breakthrough role as Tlali
Outlaws, one of Showmax’s 10 most popular series of 2023, reaches its nail-biting finale on Wednesday, 17 January 2024.
As Tlali, Keketso Mpitso has been one of the breakout stars from the show, cracking News24’s list of Breakout Talent That Brought Their A-Game in 2023.
Watch the trailer for Outlaws
We caught up with Keketso to find out more about the hit show, which follows two families at war: the Zulu, cattle-farming Biyelas and the Basotho, cattle-raiding Ts’eoles.
Could you describe your character?
I am portraying the character of Tlali. He’s unpredictable, a guy who just wants to do things on his own terms. You’d swear that he listened to you but he doesn’t. He’s a person who reacts quickly to situations.

He’s a very ambitious person. I think he wants to achieve a lot of things and he doesn’t really think. When he wants to do something, he wants to do it at that moment. Whenever his mind is made up, no one can convince him otherwise. He just goes for what he wants.
I’ve been around people who have Tlali in them; I’ve seen people in real life who are like that.
What drew you to the character?
I think it’s because I’ve never played a character like Tlali before. He’s different, and I thought to myself, this is going to be a nice challenge for me. So I just went for it.
What are some of the differences between you and the character?
I’m an introvert, and he’s more of an extrovert. I’m more calm and he’s just up there.
This is your breakout role. How was it playing alongside veterans like Mmabatho Mogomotsi and Siyabonga Shibe?
You know, when I was a kid I grew up watching Mmabatho in Yizo Yizo and Siyabonga Shibe in Gaz’lam. They are like legends to me. So it’s been an honour and a great opportunity. I love them so much. When you get to work with them, it feels amazing. It’s more like a dream come true.
What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learnt from them or by just watching them?
One of the things I’ve learnt from them is that you have to stay humble. They treat everybody equally, and take their work very seriously. They understand what it means to be an actor.
Do you have any funny or crazy stories you’d like to tell about being on set?
Yes, I mean there are so many stories. We always laughed on set. I think the funny one was when I did a scene with Musa Mabote and he did something that I wasn’t expecting. So before we shoot, we rehearse, but when we were shooting, he just came up with something spontaneously and I wanted to laugh but I couldn’t. As soon as they said cut, I was laughing.
Tell us more about Outlaws?
Outlaws is a very nice show. It’s about a Zulu family and a Sotho family. Without saying much, all I can say is that there’s war. But people have to watch the show to find out.
All the episodes of Outlaws are now available to binge-watch on Showmax.
More like this

Skemergrond S1
Skemergrond is set in Gemoedsdrif and revolves around the Louw family and their beautiful flower farm. The Louws' peaceful existence is turned upside down when unexpected guests arrive.

My Brother's Keeper S1-2
An overly ambitious son, tired of being side-lined by his father, decides to break the family rules by going after his brother's widow.

Binnelanders S8-14
Binnelanders, an Afrikaans soapie set in and around a fictional private hospital, follows the trials and trauma of the staff and patients.

Umkhokha: The Curse S1-2
The critically acclaimed series revolves around the ensuing fight to take over the leadership position of one of the biggest churches in KZN.

The River S1-6
Fan-fave telenovela The River is full of twists and turns, and plenty of characters you love to hate, or love to root for - like Cobra. Stream the full boxset on Showmax.

"Reënboogrant ignited my love for reading" - Mila de Villiers
Mila de Villiers talks about her role in Showmax's Tshwane-set telenovela Reënboogrant, now streaming on Showmax.

Minke Marais puts on her blazer to play Shani in Reënboogrant
Minke Marais talks about her role as Shani in Reënboogrant, inspired by Louise van Niekerk’s bestselling 90s novels. Catch new episodes every Wednesday on Showmax.

Reënboogrant S1
Follow the Brink siblings as they navigate teenage drama, family conflicts, love, aspirations and fierce rivalries in this wholesome Afrikaans telenovela.
Outlaws: A war to end it all
Youngins S3, coming soon to Showmax
More Showmax Originals you'll love

Outlaws S2: Meet the new Sihle, Noluthando Ngema
Watch the trailer for Outlaws S2, featuring rising star Noluthando Ngema, streaming from 17 November and on Mzansi Magic from 22 November 2025.

Gallery: Showmax Fan Day with Youngins brings the heat
The Youngins cast brought the looks, laughs, and unforgettable vibes to Showmax Fan Day on 18 October.

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa
The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa brings together unforgettable Housewives from across the continent. Lands 28 November on Showmax.

Must-watch trailer: The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa
The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa brings together Housewives from across the continent, landing on Showmax on 28 November 2025.
Latest Stories

Bafana Bafana composed for Durban showdown against Zimbabwe

Clementine Mosimane, Mondli Makhoba and Luyanda Zwane join Spinners S2

Arsenal and Liverpool early front-runners ahead of Premier League international break

Married at First Sight's Portia Baloyi on the reunion and her ex
Must-watch trailer: Slay Queens doccie coming to Showmax

The Premier League canvas: a Saturday masterpiece painted in blue and red

Relebogile Mabotja to host the two-hour Married at First Sight reunion special

South Africa in third place at International Emmys, with four MultiChoice nominations

What to watch on Showmax in October 2025

The clash of the new number 9s: Gyökeres vs Woltemade

Married at First Sight: Themba on his "stunning" wife Nelisa

June Squibb wins Best Actress award at age 95 for Thelma

Red vs Blue: Showmax Premier League serves up a blockbuster weekend

Blockbuster Premier League weekend: Red vs Blue

Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr chat about Den of Thieves 2: Pantera

Where to see the cast of Levels on Showmax

From doubt to dynamo: Micky van de Ven's rise at Tottenham

Mhlongo's bold prediction: Pirates to clinch MTN8 Title for a fourth year running

Glory awaits: From MTN8 Kings to Manchester's Crown, football's biggest stage is on Showmax

Art, money and power: a blueprint for The Brutalist

Uncover the soul of South African football with the boxset of Giants

Rianza Snyman on Vaal Riviera and being a stay-at-home mom

The best Premier League signings of 2025's summer window

SA siblings’ debut film chosen for BFI London Film Festival