Drugged up

Olwethu’s already-fragile life is about to take a horrible turn.

Olwethu steals money from home to support her new habits. Weekdays e.tv (*194) 20:00

Varsity student Olwethu (Zimkhitha Nyoka) hasn’t had the best of times with boys in her life. In November 2016 she buddied up with Clement (Nekwa Tsajwa ) but what started as a friendship quickly went down the drain when he used and abused her. He promised to pay her varsity fees in exchange for her virginity but never spent a cent on Olwethu after their hook-up. Then, on Friday 9 December, she cosied up to Stina (Tiisetso Thoka) at the shebeen but that ended in tears when he got too hands on. “At this point, Olwethu is a regular drinker,” says Zimkhitha. “Because she hasn’t dealt with what Clement did to her, her rebellious nature spirals out of control and Stina is simply fuelling that.”

OUT OF BALANCE

Zimkhitha says that Olwethu’s mom May (Tina Jaxa) and stepmom Ruth (Clementine Mosimane) are supporting her during her personal struggles after they found out about Clement on Thursday 29 November, but that isn’t enough for the young woman. “Olwethu is becoming increasingly dependent on alcohol and [on Thurs- Stina and Olwethu’s friendship develops after a night at the shebeen. day 22 December] she starts stealing from May and Ruth,” Zimkhitha explains. Olwethu is rebellious and stubborn like all youngsters and Stina amplifies that on Monday 26 December after he apologises for his behaviour. “She forgives him [on Tuesday 27 December] and they’re friends again – it’s destined for bad news, especially when Stina suggests that they smoke some weed.” The actress adds that her character caves to peer pressure and wants to misbehave even more when Ruth warns her about Stina. “Olwethu will do whatever it takes to make him stick around,” says Zimkhitha.

CAUGHT & CUFFED

Turns out Olwethu should’ve listened to Ruth – she and Stina are arrested on Thursday 29 December when the cops catch them with drugs and alcohol. After spending a night in jail, Olwethu is released by the police on Friday 30 December with a warning. Her family sit her down and explain the consequences of using drugs and they ask Olwethu to see a counsellor to get her life back on track, which she says that she’ll consider. Zimkhitha adds that “Olwethu’s family are there for her. They’re certainly not perfect, but they’d do anything for her. She is still their sweet little girl”.