Lerato Mvelase as Babalwa G in Marked S1
Lerato Mvelase as Babalwa G in Marked S1 -- Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2025

First look at Netflix’s gripping new crime drama ‘Marked’, starring Lerato Mvelase

Netflix just announced its latest must-watch original, “Marked“. This raw, emotionally-charged six-part crime drama premieres on 31 July 2025 and stars International Emmy nominee Lerato Mvelase in a powerful lead role.

Marked follows Babalwa, a cash-in-transit security guard cornered by circumstance and fighting to protect what matters most. As the pressure mounts, the line between right and necessary begins to blur — leaving one haunting question: What happens when survival leaves no room for mercy?

Lerato Mvelase as Babalwa G in Marked S1
Lerato Mvelase as Babalwa G — Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2025

Caught between haunting prayers and simmering silences, Babalwa and her upstanding husband, Lungile (Bonko Khoza), live a life defined by discipline and duty until their daughter, Palesa (Ama Qamata), living with a life-threatening condition,  takes a turn for the worse.  With no medical aid, no savings, and no lifeline in sight, desperation takes hold and what begins with quiet prayers and small loans soon escalates into an uneasy alliance with local hustler Zweli (Sphamandla Dhludhlu) and dependable colleague, Tebza (S’Dumo Mtshali), pulling Babalwa into a high-stakes scheme that puts everything, and everyone, she loves on the line. 

Sphamandla Dhludhlu as Zweli, Lerato Mvelase as Babalwa G in Marked S1
Sphamandla Dhludhlu as Zweli, Lerato Mvelase as Babalwa G in Marked S1 — Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2025

The bold plan to fix everything fast begins to unravel when Babalwa is betrayed by the very people she trusted. With loyalty in short supply and danger closing in, she’s forced to shed any remaining illusions of mercy and is dragged deeper into a world of moral grey zones, left to decide how far she is willing to go. 

Marked features a commanding South African ensemble, including Jerry Mofokeng wa MakhethaDesmond DubeNatasha ThahaneGaisang K. NogeLinda Sokhulu, and  Mduduzi MabasoTogether, they deliver layered performances that ground the story’s tension and emotional stakes.

Watch the trailer HERE

Check out the first look photos from Marked:

Lerato Mvelase as Babalwa G in Marked S1 — Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2025
Sdumo Mtshali as Tebza Nyembezi in Marked S1 — Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2025
Bonko Khoza as Lungile G in Marked S1 — Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2025
Ama Qamata as Palesa G in Marked S1 — Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2025
(L to R) Natasha Thahane as Nelisa Kunene and Sphamandla Dhludhlu as Zweli in Marked S1 — Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2025
Desmond Dube as Zachariah Kunene in Marked S1 — Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2025
Jerry Mofokeng as Baba Gunman in Marked S1 — Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2025
Gaisang Noge as Ntsiki Nxumalo in Marked S1 — Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2025
Marked S1. Mduduzi Mabaso as Kat Modise in Marked S1. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2025

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