Siyabonga Thwala as Khaya Bhodoza in Empini S1 on Showmax
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

Empini S1 on Showmax

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

Empini S1 on Showmax

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

Empini S1 on Showmax

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

Empini S1 on Showmax

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

Empini S1 on Showmax

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

Empini S1 on Showmax

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

Empini S1 on Showmax

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 like this

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa on Showmax

Jojo on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa reunion, social media backlash and more

Jojo opens up about the highly anticipated reunion for The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, coming to Showmax on 20 and 27 February.

Original South Africa
iThonga S1 on Showmax

South Africa’s stories and storytellers recognised as SAFTA nominees announced

Mzansi’s boldest stories take centre stage as the 2026 SAFTA nominees are unveiled, with a wave of nominations across DStv and Showmax.

Made in South Africa
The ‘Burbs on Showmax

The ‘Burbs S1

In this adaptation of the 1980s Tom Hanks dark comedy, a couple moves back to the husband's hometown, only to face a cul-de-sac shrouded in mystery.

First
Shaka iLembe S2 on Showmax

“You don't create something so powerful purely through military tactics” - Shaka iLembe co-creator

Shaka iLembe co-creator Desireé Markgraaff reflects on the vision, research, and importance of telling our stories. Stream Seasons 1–2 on Showmax.

South Africa
Shaka iLembe on Showmax

Where to see the cast of Shaka iLembe S1-2 on Showmax

From Nomzamo Mbatha as Queen Nandi to Lemogang Tsipa as King Shaka Zulu and Thembinkosi Mthembu as King Dingiswayo, see the cast of Shaka iLembe in some of their other acclaimed roles on Showmax. Binge now on Showmax.

South Africa
MaBlerh as the host ofThe Real Housewives of Durban Season 4 reunion on Showmax

MaBlerh to host the first-ever The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa reunion

MaBlerh will host the first-ever reunion for The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa, set to air in two parts in February 2026.

Original South Africa
Shaka iLembe on Showmax

Shaka iLembe S1-2

Set in the 1700s, Shaka iLembe tells the story of the making of the iconic African king. All episodes are now available to binge.

Made in South Africa
The Madison S1 on Showmax

Six Taylor Sheridan series while we wait for The Madison

Excited about The Madison coming in April? We’ve rounded up all the Taylor Sheridan series you can watch on Showmax while we wait.

Outlaws, now streaming on Showmax

Go on holiday with RHUGT: Africa