Katlego Lebogang continues to cement her place as a household name in South Africa’s film and television industry. With standout roles in Soft Life and Spinners S1, she now takes on a bold new challenge in Izwe Multimedia production’s second season of the legal drama Law, Love & Betrayal S2.
Known for her versatility, Katlego has moved effortlessly from playing an inquisitive young detective in Spinners to a sexually liberated and unapologetic hostess, Zinhle, in Soft Life. Now, she steps into the courtroom as Bakang Mokgotso, a sharp, fearless attorney who isn’t afraid to bend the rules to get ahead.
The daughter of a judge, Bakang is grounded, determined, and ambitious, ready to carve out her own legacy in the legal world. Katlego stars alongside a dynamic cast including Sparky Xulu, Shannon Esra, Pearl Modiadie, Nimrod Nkosi and Anelisa Phewa.
Watch trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55sPontaq2I&list=PLeb-Se72az5eNKDIi9vA4i8IUaSBEwIT4
You’ve played a detective, a slay queen, and now a rising attorney. This role is far more text-heavy, how did you navigate the legal jargon, and how intense was the experience?
The most important thing for me was breaking down the script and truly understanding what was being said. Research was key because these are real professions, and you want to represent them accurately. Saying something in the wrong context can take audiences out of the story.
The script was definitely wordy, but once I got into the rhythm, it became second nature. At first, it took some adjustment, but eventually it felt like a well-oiled machine. On busy days, we’d shoot up to seven or eight scenes, and then I’d go home and prepare for the next day.
I’m very big on preparation – spending time with the text and understanding where my character is in the story. You might be shooting episode four today and episode ten tomorrow, so it’s important to track your character’s arc from beginning to end and know exactly where she is emotionally and mentally at every stage.
In your early episodes, Bakang is favoured by Gatsha Gumede, who appoints her as a partner. What was it like working alongside Nimrod Nkosi?
What I love about Bakang is that she’s fearless and not intimidated by Gatsha. In Season 2, we see him unravel and mistreat his daughter, Ayanda, but Bakang isn’t fazed and that frustrates him. It’s almost as if he sees a younger version of himself in her.
There’s also an interesting history between Gatsha and Bakang’s father, Judge Mokgotso. Their lives were shaped by their fathers, which adds another layer to the story.
Working with Nimrod Nkosi was incredible. We had great chemistry and really bounced off each other. Even though there’s an age difference, we got along so well, I consider him both a mentor and a friend.
What kind of material did you explore to prepare for the role?
I watched shows like How to Get Away with Murder, Scandal, and Suits. For Bakang, I drew inspiration from Viola Davis’ commanding presence and Kerry Washington’s sharp, polished energy.
I also spent time watching real court cases and listening to how attorneys speak their tone, rhythm, and delivery. That really helped me understand the world and bring authenticity to the character.
What’s the dynamic between Bakang and Ayanda?
They’re complete opposites, but they share the same fire and ambition to be the best. That’s what makes their dynamic so interesting.
Ayanda is powerful but still waiting for the right moment to step into that power, while Bakang is more direct, she believes in taking action immediately. She’s not afraid to step on toes to get what she wants. Despite that, Bakang’s father remains her safe space, which adds another emotional layer to her character.
Catch Katlego Lebogang in her latest role on Law, Love & Betrayal S2 airing every Sunday on Mzansi Magic at 20:00pm.
Image: Supplied
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