Dirty secrets and a dark past come back to haunt Zeb

Why is Zeb Matabane, played by Don Mlangeni, so unnerved by detective Priyanka Naicker looking into the case of two recently discovered skeletons?

For viewers who haven't been keeping up with the Isidingo storyline, Zeb has a lot at stake should his past as a shop steward resurface … and it goes back to the days of apartheid when people were tortured for information.

"When Zeb first heard about the bodies being found, it got him panicked as it was connected to something that happened a long time ago and, even worse, his past was about to resurface.

"There is a reason why people keep secrets, it is so that no one should ever know about them," explains Mlangeni.

And Zeb attracts even more attention to him- self when he loses his temper with Priya and warns her off pursuing the cold case.

"His wife, Agnes, will always be supportive. While it is possible that Zeb might have told her about the story some time ago, the kids will probably overreact. Agnes is a good mother and wife, she is the strength of the family and she will help Zeb heal."

Mlangeni, who spent a gruelling day on set, adds that he really likes the current storyline.

"It is something that has happened and it still happening in certain parts of the country.

"It is relevant to the South African audience, especially with the current political situation in the country."

On Priya's tenacity in getting to the bottom of the murders, he offers: "You won't be on good terms with somebody investigating your secret; after all, Zeb sold out his black brothers".

Is Zeb better off with his past buried or with it out in the open?

"It has to be out in the open. It brings peace and stability to your life and there is nothing that hangs on your conscience."