Award-winning actor, Bonko Khoza, has been accused of sexual assault by his "Red Ink" co-star, Nirvana Nokwe-Mseleku.
Image: Instagram/@bonkokhoza
Actor Bonko Khoza has issued a lengthy public statement addressing allegations made against him by actress Nirvana Nokwe-Mseleku regarding an incident that occurred during the filming of the “Red Ink” production in September 2023.
In the three-page statement shared on Instagram on May 18, Khoza denied all allegations of sexual misconduct, saying the claims had been investigated internally and by police, with no prosecution pursued.
“I stand by victims of sexual assault, however, I deny that I sexually assaulted, thrusted upon or committed any misconduct in respect of Ms. NokweMseleku and the production,” he wrote.
The award-winning actor’s statement comes after Nokwe-Mseleku, in a series of posts on social media, detailed how she would not go back to acting after being violated on set.
She shared that despite the scene being choreographed and a discussion on consent, boundaries were still crossed. Nokwe-Mseleku revealed that she turned to production executives to report the incident, but did not feel supported.
She later opened a criminal case, but it was not fruitful. The actress also shared a recording of her speaking to the investigating officer, detailing what happened, and he seems not to be able to understand her as they discuss whether she can prove what happened.
This is not Nokwe-Mseleku’s first time speaking on the claims; she has previously, but this time she posted screenshots of emails and recordings.
Khoza explained that the incident in question involved what he described as a “fully clothed violent stunt scene” that had allegedly been discussed and rehearsed beforehand with the actress, director, stunt coordinator, and cinematographer.
According to the actor, a stunt double had also been offered to Nokwe-Mseleku before filming, but was declined.
He further claimed that more than 12 crew members were present during the shoot and that none observed behaviour resembling the allegations now being made.
“Every action I performed on set that night was strictly in line with the script, the choreography agreed upon with the directors and stunt coordinator, and under the supervision of senior production personnel,” he said.
Khoza said he attended meetings with the production team following the complaint and later participated in a broader review process involving representatives from Red Ink Productions, M-Net, SWIFT, senior crew members and both parties’ agents.
The actor claimed that after viewing unedited footage of the scene, those present concluded that there had been “no thrusting, sexual misconduct, or criminal behaviour”.
“The footage simply did not support the allegation,” the statement read.
Khoza also revealed that NokweMseleku allegedly opened a criminal case against him in May 2024. He said he was interviewed by police at Braamfontein Police Station and submitted a sworn statement.
“I became aware early last year that the police investigated the matter and after considering the facts, the authorities did not prosecute the matter,” he stated.
Despite denying the allegations, Khoza acknowledged the seriousness of sexual violence in society and said concerns raised by performers should always be treated with care.
“The concerns raised by Ms. NokweMseleku deserve proper attention, more so knowing that we live in a society that is plagued by sexual violence,” he said.
However, he also alleged that Nokwe-Mseleku had made similar accusations against other actors and cast members in unrelated productions, describing the alleged pattern as “deeply troubling”.
Khoza concluded the statement by saying the allegations had deeply affected his family, career, and reputation over the past two-and-a-half years, adding that he intends to continue defending himself through legal channels.
“I remain committed to safe, respectful, and professional working environments for all performers,” he said.
IOL