A heartbreaking loss: Nolwandle Biyela’s final stand in Outlaws Season 2

As Outlaws Season 2 reaches its 20th episode, last week’s instalment delivered a devastating blow with the death of Nolwandle Biyela, portrayed by actress Nosipho Pehlo.

Nosipho reflects on Outlaws as her first major break, the emotionally demanding scenes that brought her to tears, and why Nolwandle was the perfect character for her to bring to life.

Outlaws Season 2 is available to stream on Showmax with new episodes every Friday. You can also watch the new season on Mzansi Magic (Dstv Channel 161) every Saturday at 8PM.

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How would you describe Nolwandle’s journey in Season 2, especially compared to where we first met her in Season 1?

There was definitely a shift between the two seasons. In Season 1, we met Nolwandle as a fearful supporter, but in Season 2 she transforms into an active defender. She evolves into a woman willing to fight for what she believes is hers, even when it costs her safety.

Season 2 really highlights her strength, resilience, and deep-rooted commitment to her family and the Biyela land they’re cultivating. We even see her holding a gun in one of the scenes. While she remains morally opposed to violence, she no longer stays on the sidelines.

Nolwandle is pregnant this season. How did that influence the way you portrayed her emotional and physical vulnerability on screen?

I had to position her as a protector of her home, her husband, and her community. With the gun, for example, she’s fully aware of the risks to her family, yet she’s still willing to face danger head-on.

Her bravery is no longer quiet or passive. I knew Nolwandle had to be bold, stubborn, and even extreme at times. I kept asking myself, “What if this was me? What if these were my children?” I also drew from my relationship with my mother, what she might have done in a similar situation.

Even though I’m not a mom, I’m deeply connected to those emotions. I have family, nieces, and nephews, so I could emotionally reverse the roles and ask myself how I’d respond.

Nolwandle is often perceived as gentle, yet this season reveals her immense inner strength. How did you balance those two sides?

Her gentleness has always been part of who she is, it’s her foundation. But this season, we see that gentleness co-exist with courage. She doesn’t lose her softness; she simply learns that strength doesn’t always have to be loud. Even in the most intense moments, her decisions are driven by love, not aggression, and that balance was important for me to maintain.

How important was it for you to portray Nolwandle as more than just “the wife,” but as a fully realised character with her own agency?

It was very important. Nolwandle is growing within her marriage. She’s made a firm decision that she’s not going anywhere and that she’s committed, even though she’s married to a very stubborn man, Bandile, who believes things should always be done his way.

From the beginning, Nolwandle has never been the kind of woman to simply fall in line. She’s highly opinionated, sometimes too opinionated for the Biyela family, but she’s always stayed true to herself.

Episode 20 marks a heartbreaking turning point with Nolwandle’s death. What was your emotional state while filming those final scenes, knowing she leaves behind a husband and two children?

By the time I stepped onto set, I had already processed most of the heavy emotions. When I first read the script and realised Nolwandle would die, leaving behind a husband and two children, I went through that grief privately.

So when it came time to film, I was actually at peace. My focus was simply to tell the story as truthfully and organically as possible. Nosipho knew how the story would end, but Nolwandle didn’t. In her mind, she believed she would survive and be reunited with her family. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.

In Nolwandle’s final moments, Bandile is left shattered. In a parallel universe, what do you think Nolwandle would have said to him?

She would have told him that it’s okay to grieve, to give himself time and listen to his emotions. Cry if he needs to. She’d encourage him to feel the pain rather than run from it.

She would also urge him to choose peace, even when he feels the urge to fight or seek revenge. Revenge is never the solution: it only takes more from you. Every time he chases it, he loses another piece of himself. 

Nolwandle would tell him to focus on family and leave the cattle war with Tlali behind. He’s already lost so much, and continuing down that path will cost him even more. Healing will come, even if it takes time.

Would you have preferred Nolwandle to survive, or do you feel her death was necessary for the story?

As an actor, my role is to bring what’s written to life. I truly believe the deeper meaning of the story comes from the writers. During the table read, the writer for this episode explained why Nolwandle’s death had to happen, and his reasons were valid.

Her death served a clear purpose in the narrative, and because of that, it felt warranted. Honestly, I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

What was it like working alongside your on-screen husband, Thembinkosi Mthembu?

It was a beautiful and enriching experience. I learned so much from Thembinkosi: how seriously he approaches his craft, how he prepares, and how effortlessly he delivers powerful performances.

He’s not only incredibly talented but also generous with his knowledge. He offered guidance and tips, and he’s always open and collaborative. Working with him was effortless, because he truly brings out the best in everyone around him.

If you hadn’t played Nolwandle, which other character would you have liked to portray?

Honestly, no one else. Nolwandle was the perfect character for me. Her journey, emotions, and strength resonated deeply with me. I don’t think any other role could have given me the same experience, and I wouldn’t trade her story for anything.

What were some of your most memorable moments on set, and what lessons will you carry forward?

The fire scene stands out the most. It was incredibly intense, and it was my first time working so closely with a stunt performer. It took a lot out of me emotionally and physically.

After filming, I remember shaking and crying. I didn’t even fully understand why. It was my body reacting to everything happening around me. That moment showed me just how powerful the mind and body are in acting.

I also learned that acting isn’t just about memorising lines: it’s about blocking, camera awareness, and fully inhabiting a character. Outlaws was my first big break, and working with veteran actors taught me invaluable lessons about character work, teamwork, and professionalism, lessons I’ll carry into every project going forward.

Although you’re no longer on the show, why should audiences keep watching Season 2?

There’s still so much to unravel. Audiences want to see what happens next for Bandile and Tlali. Nolwandle played her role and left her mark, but her death doesn’t mean the story ends.

There’s a lot more to uncover with the remaining characters, and everyone is eager to see how it all unfolds.