“It was terrifying,” said the manager in a statement. “He was booked to perform as himself — Lethabo, not Pitsi. The public needs to understand that he is a young professional simply doing his job.”
In a deeply distressing turn of events, young Skeem Saam actor Lethabo Matsetela — who plays the role of Pitsi Maputla — was recently attacked by a group of teenagers during a kiddies festival where he had been booked to perform alongside DJ Arch Junior. The 11-year-old talent was physically assaulted and emotionally shaken after fans lashed out at him, accusing him of being a “spoiled child,” “rude,” and “bossy.” But here’s the truth: the backlash wasn’t about Lethabo himself. It was about his character.
Yes, you read that right. Lethabo was attacked not for anything he had done personally, but because of how he portrays Pitsi on TV.
Understanding the Confusion: Fiction vs. Reality
For those unfamiliar, Pitsi Maputla — the child of Skeem Saam characters Tbose and Mapitsi — is known on-screen for being a bit demanding, sassy, and outspoken. In some scenes, he comes across as cheeky, with an attitude that might rub certain viewers the wrong way. But this is all part of the script. These are carefully written traits developed by the writers to create drama and move the storyline forward.
Unfortunately, not everyone seems to understand the difference between an actor and the role they play. It’s a common issue in entertainment, where viewers sometimes blur the line between a character and the actor who portrays them — but rarely does it escalate to this level of violence, especially involving a child.
A Young Star Caught in the Crossfire
According to witnesses, the incident happened after Lethabo finished his performance. A group of teenagers approached him, shouting insults and mocking him for his on-screen behavior. The situation escalated quickly, and before adults could intervene, Lethabo was pushed and struck by several teens. His manager rushed him away from the crowd, and he was immediately taken home for his safety.
“It was terrifying,” said the manager in a statement. “He was booked to perform as himself — Lethabo, not Pitsi. The public needs to understand that he is a young professional simply doing his job.”
The incident left Lethabo visibly shaken, suffering from anxiety and confusion. For a child so young, it’s heartbreaking to experience hatred and physical harm for simply doing what he loves: acting.
Where Did It Go So Wrong?
This incident sheds light on a broader problem: how society consumes entertainment and the inability, in some circles, to separate fiction from reality. While most fans understand that soapies like Skeem Saam are scripted and acted, some viewers — particularly younger audiences — internalize these characters as real people.
In Lethabo’s case, his portrayal of Pitsi may have struck a nerve with certain viewers. But the bigger question is: why did it manifest as violence? And why are we failing to educate audiences — especially youth — about the difference between an actor and their role?
A Call for Compassion and Education
Attacking actors, especially child actors, for their roles is deeply unacceptable. These young performers are still developing emotionally and psychologically. They’re passionate about their craft and should be nurtured, not vilified.
Lethabo Matsetela is an incredibly talented and dedicated actor who brings Pitsi Maputla to life with flair and believability. The fact that his acting can evoke such strong emotions is testament to his skill — but those emotions should be applauded in terms of performance, not taken out on the actor.
This incident has sparked an outpouring of support online, with fans and celebrities calling for more awareness and protection for child actors. Many are urging parents to educate their children on how television works, the difference between reality and fiction, and the importance of kindness in public spaces.
What Happens Next for Lethabo?
Lethabo’s team has confirmed that he is recovering at home and surrounded by family. He will be taking a short break from public events to focus on his well-being and return to a sense of normalcy.
While producers of Skeem Saam have yet to release an official statement, industry insiders are calling for increased security measures at events involving child actors and more support systems for young performers dealing with public scrutiny.
Let’s Protect Our Young Stars
In the end, this isn’t just about Lethabo — it’s about every young actor out there navigating fame, storytelling, and public perception. We need to do better.
Let’s celebrate and uplift talents like Lethabo Matsetela. Let’s teach our children and communities to appreciate acting as a profession and not confuse fiction with reality. And most importantly, let’s choose empathy over aggression, especially when it comes to children.
To Lethabo: You are brilliant, brave, and beloved by many. Keep shining.
💔 No child should ever be punished for playing pretend. Let’s be better fans. Let’s be better humans. 🙏
#JusticeForLethabo
#ProtectChildActors
#PitsiIsACharacter
#LethaboIsNotPitsi
