Michelle Randall

20 September 2024

Empini Season 1, episodes 35-36 recap: Duck, duck, roll

On Empini this week, the stakes get higher as the truth about Zenzele’s lineage is revealed, alliances are tested, and new dangers emerge. Khaya fuels Zenzele’s growing suspicions of the General, while Mkhonto takes drastic steps to prove himself at MPS. Ndoni grapples with her reassignment, and the looming threat against Zenze intensifies. Here’s what went down.

The DNA results are in

Zenzele is officially confirmed as Khaya Bhodoza’s son, sending shockwaves through the family. The only one who is happy about the news is TK.

The truth is in the bullet

Ndoni takes Zenzele to Madlopa’s house to analyse the bullets from the restaurant attack. Madlopa identifies the bullets as coming from MPS, and there are only two people who could still have access to them: Khaya Bhodoza and General Moeti. The plot thickens.

Khaya’s advice

Zenzele reaches out to Khaya, who warns him not to trust anyone. Khaya also gives Zenze a business lead, suggesting someone who could be added to the MPS client base. The advice keeps Zenze on high alert.

Trust issues

Zenzele checks in with Thobani, ostensibly about leads in the investigation, but really to gauge whether Thobani can be trusted. Zenze wonders if Thobani recognised the MPS bullets from the attack and deliberately withheld the information. Who’s fooling who?

Ndoni’s new assignment

Ndoni’s new assignment as BG1 turns out to be quite unexpected - she’s assigned to protect a child named Amahle. The shift leaves her questioning Zenze’s motives for reassigning her.

Mkhonto’s dangerous path

Nosipho begs Zenze to discourage Mkhonto from dropping out of school to join MPS. Zenze agrees to talk to him, but doesn’t know that Mkhonto has already started buying illegal supplements to bulk up and prove himself as a bodyguard.

Rumours and warnings

Jabulani warns Ndoni about the rumours circulating at MPS that she’s involved with Zenzele. Ndoni assures him there’s nothing going on, but the rumours continue to swirl.

The General’s veiled threat

The General pays Dora a visit, issuing a veiled threat regarding Ndoni’s position as Zenzele’s BG1. He warns her to tell Ndoni to stay away from Zenze for a while, hinting at more danger ahead. Is another hit on Zenze’s life in the works?

Stay tuned for more intrigue and drama as the plot thickens on Empini. New episodes drop every Thursday on Showmax!

Watch full episodes now

More like this

Drama Drama series Series

Alert: Missing Persons Unit S3

Showrunner John Eisendrath and Jamie Foxx are behind this police procedural. After her son goes missing, Nikki Batista joins the Philadelphia Missing Persons Unit, helping find people's loved ones as she searches for her own.

Lehlohonolo Mayeza on Leruo’s battles in Outlaws Season 2

New love, old foes: Lehlohonolo Mayeza unpacks Leruo's journey in Outlaws S2, on Showmax from 17 November and Mzansi Magic from 22 November.

Original South Africa

New seasons of your favourite series, now streaming

The latest seasons of Youngins, Outlaws, Hacks, The Equalizer, Tokyo Vice, and more are all streaming on Showmax.

Last Breath (2025)

Woody Harrelson and Simu are in a race against time in this thrilling true story that follows seasoned deep-sea divers as they battle the raging elements to rescue their crew.

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Africa.jpg

20+ addictive South African reality shows to stream

Stream The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip - Africa, Vaal Riviera, The Real Housewives of Durban, The Mommy Club, and more of South Africa's best reality shows on Showmax.

Made in South Africa

The best romantic series on Showmax

All you need is love — and these addictive series: Northern Lights, Love Island: All Stars, Love Island Games, Outlaws S2 and more.

IT: Welcome to Derry

Set in the 1960s in the town of Derry, this horror series explores its strange happenings, disappearances, and the origins of Pennywise the Clown.

First

St Denis Medical S1

"The Office" meets "Scrubs" in this wacky medical comedy that follows an eclectic group of underfunded yet dedicated doctors and nurses trying to hold an Oregon hospital together.

Laugh Africa Comedy Festival S2 on Showmax

Youngins S3, now streaming on Showmax

More Showmax Originals you'll love

Lehlohonolo Mayeza on Leruo’s battles in Outlaws Season 2

New love, old foes: Lehlohonolo Mayeza unpacks Leruo's journey in Outlaws S2, on Showmax from 17 November and Mzansi Magic from 22 November.

Original South Africa

Slay Queens S1

A raw, unapologetic,and bold 5-part docuseries exposing the hustle, glamour, and risks behind social media fame. New episodes on Showmax every Friday.

OriginalMade in South Africa

Slay Queens: Inno Morolong on the dark side of the lifestyle

Influencer and reality star Inno Morolong tells viewers what to expect from docuseries Slay Queens, landing 31 October 2025 on Showmax.

Original South Africa

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip - Africa on Showmax

Annie Mthembu opens up about The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa

Annie Mthembu talks about being on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, her return to reality TV and more. Catch the premiere on 28 November on Showmax, with new episodes every week.

Original South Africa