The highly anticipated second season of Outlaws is ready to ride again, premiering on Showmax on November 17 and on Mzansi Magic on November 22. Returning as the broodingly handsome Leruo Ts’eole, actor Lehlohonolo Mayeza sits down to discuss the unexpected fame that followed Season 1, the overwhelming support he’s received from his native Lesotho, and his dynamic with new on-screen love interest, Noluthando Ngema (taking over the role of Sihle), as well as his nemesis, Tladi, played by Keketso Mpitso.
The highly anticipated second season of Outlaws is ready to ride again. Returning as the broodingly handsome Leruo Ts’eole, actor Lehlohonolo Mayeza sits down to discuss the unexpected fame that followed Season 1, the overwhelming support he’s received from his native Lesotho, and his dynamic with new on-screen love interest, Noluthando Ngema (taking over the role of Sihle), as well as his nemesis, Tladi, played by Keketso Mpitso.
On Fame and the Price of Recognition
Q: How has your life changed since the success of Outlaws? What does your day-to-day life look like now that people recognise you as Leruo?
Fame is a double-edged sword. On the negative side, the public starts seeing you as something extraordinary, not just a regular person, and the expectations can be overwhelming. For example, people assume celebrities live a life of luxury, and you can’t be seen eating street food or dining at a one-star restaurant. There’s this constant pressure to alter your lifestyle to match their idealized version of who you are.
Another downside is when we make public appearances. Fans often rush to take pictures, and sometimes they end up fighting over it, which is concerning. I genuinely worry about people getting hurt.
However, playing Leruo has brought many positive things, particularly the recognition I’ve received from various sectors, leading to brand ambassador opportunities. One of my primary goals has always been to motivate the youth and the less privileged. It was difficult to achieve this when I was just Lehlohonolo Mayeza, but the success of Outlaws has given me a spotlight to inspire others, instilling a drive to keep pushing forward and never give up on their dreams.
The Heart of Lesotho and Leruo’s Burden
Q: You’re originally from Lesotho—how did your community back home receive Outlaws, and what kind of feedback stood out?
I was honestly stunned by the level of support I got from my people! One moment that truly stood out was when I was back home in the deep mountains of Lesotho, herding with the other boys. They celebrated and marvelled at how well I represented them. In that moment, I felt, “Yes, I did that. I truly did that.”
Q: Without giving away too much, what emotional or moral challenges does Leruo face this season?
This season, Leruo finds himself responsible for two significant people in his life, and he must support and protect them. This responsibility, in addition to his existing loyalty to the gang, adds even more weight to his shoulders.
Q: Were there any scenes in Season 2 that pushed you more creatively or emotionally than those in Season 1?
Yes, some scenes definitely pushed me to my creative limits. The directing was absolutely exquisite, which demanded the best from me.
On Chemistry, Brotherhood and Training
Q: The chemistry among the Outlaws cast is one of the show’s strongest elements. How has your on-screen dynamic with new cast member Noluthando Ngema evolved?
Noluthando is an incredible actress, both on screen and personally. Working with her made the process much smoother, and I learned a great deal from our scenes together. The professional rapport was immediate.
Q: You handle firearms so convincingly on screen—did you undergo any special training?
Yes, we went through specialized firearms training. Tshedza Pictures organized it for us, and we trained with a range of weapons, from small handguns to larger firearms, to make sure everything looks authentic.
Q: Tladi became quite a fan favourite in Season 1. What do you love most about that character, and what was it like working with Keketso Mpitso?
The character of Tladi, and the excellent way Keketso portrayed him, really helped me elevate my own performance. Every time Tladi is filming with Leruo, I know the performance has to be on point.
Keketso Mpitso is my brother from another mother—when we are both on set, we’re always laughing and making jokes. He is such a humble and caring man, the total opposite of Tladi! Working with Keketso was one of the greatest things that has happened in my career.
Q: Looking back, how would you say the Outlaws experience has shaped you—both as an actor and as a person?
The experience has been truly rewarding. It strengthened me mentally, physically, and emotionally. It taught me discipline, not only in my craft but also in how to interact with people and adapt to different environments, especially as a foreigner in South Africa.