• Harriet Khoza (Played by
Connie Ferguson) Harriet Khoza is the female protagonist and matriarch of the criminal Khoza family. As a drug queenpin, she takes over the business after her husband's death and works with her brother-in-law, Brutus. She is fiercely protective of her children, Kea and Kagiso, and hires a
hitman to kill her husband. In a long-running plotline, she is haunted by her traumatic past when she is forced to confront her abusive father, Tiro, who is later disowned by the family and commits suicide. Harriet eventually partners with Hector Sebata and later marries him, but has him killed after discovering his affair with Vuyiswa. • Captain Jeremiah "Jerry" Maake (Played by
Shona Ferguson) Captain Jerry Maake is a tough police officer determined to bring down the Khoza family's drug operation. His mission is intensely personal, as he believes Harriet was responsible for his son's death. He is married to Vuyiswa and is the father of Amo, Mogapi, and Bakang. Jerry is killed after jumping in front of a helicopter shooter's bullets to save Harriet's life. • Keabetswe "Kea" Esmarelda Khoza (Played by
Dineo Langa) The daughter of Harriet and Mzi, Kea has a series of tragic romantic relationships, including one with an abusive man who is eventually killed by her family. She later elopes with a new boyfriend, Eric, but is tragically killed in an explosion on her way to Jerry Maake's funeral. • Uncle Brutus Mfanafuthi Khoza (Played by
Themba Ndaba) Brutus is the male protagonist of the series and the Khoza family patriarch, alongside his sister-in-law, Harriet. He is the brother of Mzi and has many children. He and Harriet lead the drug syndicate and survive various attacks. He and Harriet eventually leave the drug business. • Kagiso "Muscle Man" Melusi Khoza (Played by
Loyiso MacDonald) The youngest son of Harriet, Kagiso is a former army pilot who has complex romantic relationships, notably with Goodness Mabuza. He initially holds his mother responsible for Kea's death. He and Goodness later move away to start a new life but return to honor Kea's memory. He later seeks vengeance in season 7. • Shaka Khoza (Played by
Sthembiso Khoza) Shaka is the oldest son of Mzi and a close associate of his uncle, Brutus. He was killed by his brother, Kagiso, but later returned from the dead, inciting a revenge plot. He had multiple failed relationships, including with Mmabatho and Goodness. He later leaves to avoid the police but returns to take over his father's business in season 7. • Lieutenant Vuyiswa "Sis Vee" Maake-Sebata (Played by
Zandile Msutwana) A dedicated detective, Vuyiswa is initially Jerry's partner and later his wife. After Jerry is killed, Vuyiswa seeks justice and uncovers Hector Sebata's involvement in his murder. She later marries Hector, but they divorce, and she leaves town with their son after being threatened by Harriet. ==Cast members==