The return of Leruo

• Lehlohonolo Mayeza back for Outlaws sophomore season

Lesotho-born actor Lehlohonolo Mayeza has returned to the spotlight with the return of the blockbuster Showmax series Outlaws, reprising his character, Leruo Tšeole.

Season 2, which officially began streaming on November 17, 2025, marks a powerful continuation of the actor’s rise in the regional entertainment industry and reaffirms his position as one of Lesotho’s brightest acting exports.

Returning to the world of Outlaws feels both familiar and revitalising for Mayeza: “Coming back to a character you have already lived with is always special,” he said.

“I felt more grounded this time, more connected to Leruo’s inner battles and growth. And returning to a cast and crew that feel like family made it even more powerful.”

His words reflect a deep emotional bond not only with the character but with the story itself, a world marked by high tension, moral dilemmas, and complex loyalties.

Since his breakout performance in 2023, the Thaba Tseka star has captured the hearts of viewers across Southern Africa. Season 1 introduced him to a wider audience, but Season 2 offers him the opportunity to take the character further than ever before.

“Leruo’s journey this season is much more complex; he is faced with choices that test his loyalty, his strength, and even his identity. There is more action, more tension, and definitely more emotional depth,” Mayeza explained.

This season, Leruo is no longer the reactive young man navigating the chaos around him. He has transformed into someone who makes intentional choices and faces the consequences with a newfound sense of awareness.

“We see a more confident, more self-aware Leruo. He’s carrying the weight of everything that happened in Season 1, and that forces him to make tougher, more intentional decisions,” Mayeza said.

It is this evolution that allows viewers to connect with the character on a deeper emotional level, as he steps into the responsibilities and challenges that come with growth.

One of the most compelling aspects of Mayeza’s portrayal this season is the emotional depth he brings to the role. Though careful not to reveal plot details, he hints at scenes that pushed him further than he has gone before.

“There is a moment where Leruo is torn between his duty and his heart, and the emotional stakes were incredibly high. It required a lot of vulnerability.”

The physical demands of the role were equally intense. With action scenes requiring precision, stamina, and trust in the stunt team, the actor describes them as challenging but ultimately rewarding.

“Those days were tough, but they were some of the most fulfilling.”

The intense demands of Season 2 also taught him more about himself as an actor.

“I learned I’m capable of going deeper emotionally than ever before. The season demanded honesty and vulnerability that pushed me out of my comfort zone. I also learned to trust my instincts more, to stay present, and to allow the character to guide me.”

Preparing for such a layered character is no small feat. He starts by studying Leruo’s backstory, the unseen aspects of the character that inform how he moves through the world.

Emotionally, he connects Leruo’s struggles with universal human experiences. Mentally, he keeps himself grounded through routines that allow him to transition in and out of character without losing himself.

Working alongside some of South Africa’s most respected actors has also been instrumental in shaping his craft.

“Seeing their dedication and depth pushes you to elevate your own performance,” he says. “It taught me the importance of listening and reacting authentically.”

This collaborative environment strengthens the storytelling of Outlaws, allowing each actor to contribute depth and authenticity to the narrative.

Despite the intensity of the storyline, the atmosphere on set was a blend of professionalism, deep emotional work, and unexpected moments of joy. Mayeza recalls a moment during the filming of a particularly emotional scene where even members of the crew struggled to hold back tears.

These are the moments that remind him of the power of storytelling. Off-camera, the cast shared countless moments of laughter and inside jokes that helped them navigate the long and demanding shooting days.

“That balance of professionalism and friendship made the experience unforgettable,” he says.

Beyond the craft and the production, Mayeza’s presence in Outlaws carries significant meaning for the Mountain Kingdom. As one of Lesotho’s leading acting exports, he is acutely aware of what his success means for aspiring Basotho actors.

“It is an honour to represent the Mountain Kingdom. I hope it inspires young actors back home to believe in their dreams. Our stories matter,” he said proudly.

He believes the success of Outlaws has helped shift perceptions about Basotho talent in the regional entertainment landscape.

“The show has shone a spotlight on Basotho talent in a way that hasn’t happened before. It shows we can compete at the highest level.”

Looking back, Mayeza said Season 1 was a turning point in his career. It exposed him to a broader audience, earned him critical recognition, and opened doors to new roles and collaborations.

The experience of playing Leruo has strengthened not only his confidence but also his sense of artistic direction.

As he looks beyond Outlaws, Mayeza hopes to explore roles that challenge him emotionally and psychologically, particularly those that deal with human struggles and complexity. He is also working on two deeply personal documentaries and a film, projects that he says are close to his heart, though he cannot yet share the details.

His advice to young Basotho actors is grounded in experience and humility.

“Stay dedicated. Keep honing your craft. Take every opportunity to learn, whether it is classes, workshops, or community theatre. Be patient, be resilient, and most importantly, believe in your own story.”

Chris Theko

A Professional Communications practitioner with a wealth of expertise in marketing, public speaking, communication and media relations. I believe in learning everyday and improving one’s personal and professional capabilities.

* A former journalist and radio host who is passionate about media and it’s impact on society.