Actress, scriptwriter and director Mongeni Bhebhe is making waves with her gripping role in the 1 hour 30-minute film Imali yegazi, which explores themes of greed, deception and family betrayal.
Shot mainly in Nkulumane and parts of Bulawayo’s central business district, the movie is a bold reflection of societal issues hidden behind polished facades.
Bhebhe said the movie followed a family that appeared to be wealthy and righteous, but behind the scenes, was deeply involved in crime.
“I played the role of a slay queen who was not only obsessed with glamour but also skilled in stealing,” she said.
“Our family was rich, but it was stolen wealth, we even watered a mysterious tree with milk, a symbol of how far we were willing to go to maintain our status.”
The actress said they arranged for her younger sister to marry into the Ndlovu family, not for love, but to spy and learn their secrets.
“We wanted to know how they pulled off successful heists,” she said.
Bhebhe said the Ndlovu family, known for its seven sons, welcomed the bride, unaware of the hidden motives.
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“My character's family pretended to be God-fearing churchgoers,” she added.
The turning point in the film comes when both families are unknowingly hired by a mysterious man to hijack a cash-in-transit vehicle.
“There was a twist, we did not know we were working for the same person, it was a test to see which crew would bring more money,” Bhebhe said.
She said, as the robbery unfolded, chaos broke out.
“Gunshots were everywhere, my sister Mono was shot in the leg, as I tried to help her, I was shot too, it is a powerful ending,” the actress said.
Bhebhe, who also wrote the script and directed the film, said the film, which was shot in September 2025, highlighted the dangers of greed and the illusion of wealth.
“I wanted to show how some people live double lives pretending to be holy while doing the worst behind closed doors,” she said.
lmali yegazi is more than just action, it is a moral mirror for society. Through this gripping story, Bhebhe proves she is not only a talented actress but a bold voice in Zimbabwean storytelling.
