Marked, a South African original series, is now available to watch on Netflix.
Spoiler alert: This article includes key plot details from the show.
‘Marked’ now streaming on Netflix: What you need to know (spoilers included)
The story begins with Babalwa, played by Lerato Mvelase, a skilled armored truck driver for a company called Iron Watch. Her job is dangerous — the trucks regularly carry millions of rands and are targeted by robbers.
In the opening scene, thieves disguised as mimes attempt a heist, but Babalwa’s quick thinking helps her escape.
She’s admired at work and trusted by her team, which includes her close friend Tebza (S’Dumo Mtshali). At home, she is a devoted wife to Lungile (Bonko Khoza) and mother to Palesa (Ama Qamata), who is recovering from cancer.
But when Palesa suffers a seizure, Babalwa learns that the brain surgery her daughter needs will cost R1.2 million — money she doesn’t have.
A desperate choice leads to criminal ties
Unable to get financial help from her church or her boss, Babalwa turns to Baba G (Jerry Mofokeng), a crime boss she has known since childhood.
He has long tried to recruit her as an insider at Iron Watch. Out of options and driven by her daughter’s health crisis, Babalwa agrees to help him rob one of the trucks — the one she will be driving.
However, Babalwa insists on doing the job her way. This puts her in conflict with Zweli (Sphamandla Dhludhlu), Baba G’s hot-headed protege, who prefers more aggressive tactics. Tensions rise as the heist approaches, setting the stage for betrayal, chaos, and violent confrontation.
Drama unfolds in unexpected directions
Created by Sydney Dire, Akin Omotoso, and Steven Pillemer, Marked explores moral grey areas. Babalwa is a church-going, law-abiding woman forced into crime, and the show examines how she navigates this new reality while trying to stay true to her beliefs.
In the first episode, Babalwa gets shot — though she’s wearing a bulletproof vest — and is rescued by Tebza. Meanwhile, viewers are introduced to a complicated cast of characters, including Zachariah (Desmond Dube), Babalwa’s boss, and his daughter Nelisa (Natasha Thahane), who is involved in a risky relationship with Zweli.
Gritty, grounded, and unpredictable
While Marked includes action-packed scenes and risky encounters, including one involving a loaded gun during a sexual scene, the core of the story remains focused on Babalwa’s desperate bid to save her child.
It’s a mix of personal struggle, crime thriller, and emotional drama, all rooted in South African settings and social issues.
Marked is currently streaming on Netflix.