
By Michelle Randall18 October 2024
Empini Season 1, episodes 43-44 recap: The grenade
In this week’s explosive episodes of Empini, Zenzele’s influence sees Ndoni return to MPS, but their relationship hits turbulence as secrets and suspicions rise. Ndoni faces new challenges with Amahle’s security detail, while Winnie and Striker’s relationship heats up. Here’s what went down.
Morning-after drama

The morning after Ndoni and Zenzele’s passionate night together quickly turns sour when Zenze’s phone rings, and the mysterious caller “Grootman” raises Ndoni’s suspicions. Zenze brushes it off, claiming it was just his stepfather, Mzo. But when Ndoni pushes too hard for answers, Zenze explodes, accusing her of snooping and calling their hookup a mistake. Sparks fly, but not the good kind, as the two argue intensely.
Ndoni’s resignation denied

Ndoni’s resignation is rejected, forcing her back into MPS. Thobani questions her reasoning behind wanting to leave in the first place, and while Ndoni says she feels she’s failed MPS, what she doesn’t reveal is that she’s also failed her personal mission: uncovering the truth about her father’s death. She pushes Thobani for details on what he saw the night Bonga died. Thobani insists it was a straightforward suicide, with a note confirming Bonga was depressed, but Ndoni doesn’t buy it.
Thobani’s dilemma

The General tasks Thobani with silencing witnesses by bribing them. Thobani starts by visiting Terrance, one of the witnesses on the list. However, Terrance refuses the bribe, even accusing Thobani of being involved in Bonga Themba’s murder. This shocking revelation raises even more questions about the truth behind Bonga’s death.
Amahle’s abduction

Ndoni is reassigned to Amahle’s security detail, vowing there will be no mistakes this time. But things quickly go wrong when Amahle is kidnapped after a staged roadside breakdown and ambush.
Winnie and Striker’s growing intimacy

Meanwhile, Winnie and Striker’s relationship continues to heat up, with more than just physical chemistry drawing them together. Winnie opens up about her insecurities, deepening their emotional connection and adding complexity to their growing bond.
Amahle’s family drama

As Ndoni dives into the investigation, she uncovers a messy family drama behind the kidnapping. Amahle’s parents are caught in a bitter custody battle, and suspicion falls on the father, who Ndoni learns is involved in illegal arms dealing. The stakes couldn’t be higher as the plot thickens.
An epic cliffhanger

Ndoni tracks Amahle’s tablet to an abandoned warehouse and heads in alone, determined to save her. A gunfight erupts, and Ndoni faces off with Amahle’s father in a brutal showdown. As the fight escalates, he pins Ndoni to the ground, his hands tightening around her neck. With the clock ticking and lives on the line, the episode ends on a jaw-dropping cliffhanger – will Ndoni survive and save Amahle?
Don’t miss what happens next! New episodes of Empini drop every Thursday on Showmax!
More Showmax Originals you'll love

Reënboogrant’s first term report
What subjects are we passing, and who’s getting a failing grade? Find out how the students at Hoërskool Reënboogrant did in their first term on Showmax.

Nhlanhla Kunene drops masterclass ahead of Adulting finale
Nhlanhla Kunene delivers a masterclass ahead of the highly anticipated Adulting Season 3 finale, highlighting how to portray men with authenticity, vulnerability, and complexity

Ansu Viljoen on The Mommy Club: Van Die Hoofstad, being a mom and more
Ansu Viljoen gives us the scoop on The Mommy Club: Van Die Hoofstad, now streaming on Showmax, with new episodes every Friday.

Kites stars on how far they’d go for their friends
Fresh from its sold-out premiere at Joburg Film Festival, Kites premieres on Showmax on Friday 25 April. Directed by first-time feature film director Menzi Mzimela.