October 2025 brings Smoke & Mirrors viewers on e.tv an explosive month of high-stakes business deals, deadly confrontations, and shocking revelations about secret lives. With Zwelethu’s calculated takeover of the coal depot, Jaxon’s desperate attempts to maintain power, and mysterious figures from the past threatening to destroy everything, this month delivers intense drama every weeknight at 21:00.
What’s Unfolding This October
This month’s storylines center around Zwelethu’s strategic battle to take control of the coal depot from Jaxon, murder charges and prison drama that shake the Emnyameni community, Mamiki’s scheming to secure a wealthy husband while juggling complicated relationships, Thandiswa’s acquittal and fresh start that’s threatened by Zwelethu’s hidden past, and dangerous partners from Zwelethu’s previous life arriving to collect debts.
Week 1: Murder Charges and Deadly Pursuits (October 1-3, 2025)
Wednesday, October 1 – Episode 123: “Virgin Lies”
The month opens with Mamiki pursuing wealthy businessman Bageshri while fabricating a lie about being a virgin to avoid intimacy. Her manipulative plan backfires when this revelation makes him even more determined to marry her, showing how deception can trap the deceiver.
Thursday, October 2 – Episode 124: “Skipped Town”
Zwelethu and Thandiswa’s plans to kill Jaxon are thwarted when they discover he’s left town, forcing them to reconsider their revenge strategy. Philile is shocked when Mandla is arrested for murder and faces a life sentence, bringing legal drama to the forefront.
Friday, October 3 – Episode 125: “Release from Prison”
Mandla’s arrest becomes the talk of Emnyameni as gossip spreads through the community. Philile prays for him during this crisis. Mandla is released when Mabizela’s goon is arrested for the murder, clearing him of the charges but raising questions about the real perpetrator.
Week 2: GPS Coordinates and Woodland Chases (October 6-10, 2025)
Monday, October 6 – Episode 126: “The Hunt Begins”
Zwelethu shares GPS coordinates with Thandiswa before deciding to investigate the location himself, determined to end Jaxon’s games once and for all through direct confrontation.
Tuesday, October 7 – Episode 127: “Arming for Battle”
Phakathi advises Martha to find actual evidence against Zwelethu before making accusations that could backfire. Zwelethu gives Thandiswa a gun before leaving to find Jaxon, suggesting the confrontation could turn deadly.
Wednesday, October 8 – Episode 128: “Into the Woods”
Zwelethu tracks down Jaxon and chases him into the woods, swearing he won’t rest until Jaxon is dead. Thandiswa demands that Martha take her to Jaxon’s location, worried about what Zwelethu might do.
Thursday, October 9 – Episode 129: “Stopped Before Murder”
In a tense confrontation, Zwelethu hunts Jaxon down and is about to kill him when Thandiswa intervenes, pointing out that he’ll have no relationship with his child if he spends the rest of his life in prison for murder.
Friday, October 10 – Episode 130: “Wage Demands”
Jaxon’s conspicuous consumption angers depot workers who demand a wage increase, showing how his lavish spending creates resentment. Martha wants to retaliate against Zwelethu and Thandiswa, but Jaxon surprisingly wants a truce instead.
Week 3: Negotiations and Partnerships (October 13-17, 2025)
Monday, October 13 – Episode 131: “Owed Debts”
Workers demand what they’re owed while Martha tries to convince Jaxon to stay calm before dropping a bombshell on Zwelethu. Meanwhile, Mamiki can’t see herself with Magolide, but Songanga does, suggesting matchmaking schemes.
Tuesday, October 14 – Episode 132: “The Truce Proposal”
Zwelethu finally meets with Jaxon and is stunned when Jaxon proposes a truce. Mamiki mocks Magolide for being broke, not knowing he’s just received a 3-million rand offer, setting up her potential regret.
Wednesday, October 15 – Episode 133: “Demanding the Depot”
Jaxon offers Zwelethu a truce to protect himself, but when Zwelethu demands ownership of the coal depot, Jaxon storms off in anger. Confident Jaxon will return, Zwelethu shares his grand vision with Thandiswa.
Thursday, October 16 – Episode 134: “50/50 Partnership”
Jaxon and Zwelethu engage in tense negotiations over the coal depot, with Zwelethu insisting on a 50/50 partnership. Jaxon’s position weakens under mounting community pressure and the workers’ strike fallout.
Friday, October 17 – Episode 135: “Deal Accepted”
Jaxon gives in to Zwelethu’s demands, offering him half the depot. Zwelethu and Thandiswa celebrate their victory, but Thandiswa grows uneasy after learning more about Zwelethu’s business partner, foreshadowing future trouble.
Week 4: Blindsides and Backfires (October 20-24, 2025)
Monday, October 20 – Episode 136: “Wage Increase Announcement”
Jaxon introduces Zwelethu to the depot workers, but Zwelethu blindsides him by announcing a wage increase and suggesting Jaxon sell his new supercar, asserting his authority in their partnership.
Tuesday, October 21 – Episode 137: “Fuming Partner”
Jaxon fumes when Zwelethu promises workers a wage increase without consultation. Petunia confronts Phakathi about his violent strike tactics and is shocked to learn Zwelethu is now a depot partner.
Wednesday, October 22 – Episode 138: “Deal Cancelled”
Zwelethu’s takeover backfires when Jaxon cancels their deal after feeling disrespected, showing how quickly partnerships can dissolve. Despite grovelling and pleading, Mamiki fails to win back Magolide, suggesting she’s lost her chance.
Thursday, October 23 – Episode 139: “Rallying Workers”
Zwelethu rallies workers against Jaxon, accusing him of blocking their wage increase to turn them against his former partner. Songanga and Pinky remind Mamiki and Magolide that the inhlawulo ceremony must take place, dealing with cultural traditions.
Friday, October 24 – Episode 140: “Hotel Protest”
Depot workers protest at the hotel, demanding higher wages and Zwelethu’s reinstatement, escalating the conflict. Martha takes Kayise for a massage to ease her stress, showing how the business turmoil affects everyone.
Week 5: Fresh Starts and Dark Secrets (October 27-31, 2025)
Monday, October 27 – Episode 141: “Signed but Fighting”
Jaxon signs the co-ownership agreement but vows to keep fighting Zwelethu, suggesting their partnership will be contentious. Family tensions rise as Mandla clashes with Martha over Kayise.
Tuesday, October 28 – Episode 142: “Acquitted with Secrets”
With her court case behind her, Thandiswa is acquitted and ready for a fresh start. Zwelethu stands by her but hides a secret life, making mysterious phone calls that suggest dangerous connections.
Wednesday, October 29 – Episode 143: “New House, Old Negotiations”
Zwelethu surprises Thandiswa with a new house, and they decide to move in together, symbolizing their commitment. Mamiki agrees to accept the inhlawulo though she’s unsure, while Magolide takes Tim and Sipho to negotiations.
Thursday, October 30 – Episode 144: “Intimidating Stranger”
Thandiswa’s house tour with Leroy is interrupted by an intimidating stranger, Thunaliyamesaba, who arrives looking for Zwelethu, revealing that his past is catching up with him.
Friday, October 31 – Episode 145: “Demanding Partner”
The month concludes with Zwelethu shaken when Ndosi arrives in town demanding to see him. He tells Ndosi he wants out of their partnership and to change his life, but Ndosi is unimpressed, suggesting Zwelethu can’t simply walk away from his past.
Major Storylines to Follow
The Coal Depot Power Struggle: Track Zwelethu’s calculated takeover and Jaxon’s attempts to maintain control.
Zwelethu’s Hidden Past: Watch as dangerous figures from his previous life threaten his new relationship and business success.
Workers’ Rights: Follow the depot employees’ fight for fair wages and better treatment.
Mamiki’s Schemes: Observe her manipulative attempts to secure wealth through marriage.
Thandiswa’s Fresh Start: See how her acquittal and new life with Zwelethu is threatened by his secrets.
Character Development Highlights
Zwelethu evolves from would-be murderer to strategic businessman, but his hidden past threatens everything.
Jaxon transforms from confident mogul to pressured partner forced to share power.
Thandiswa moves from defendant to partner, but must confront her boyfriend’s deceptions.
Mamiki shows how manipulation can backfire when she loses what she mocked.
Mandla experiences the justice system’s impact on community standing and family relationships.
Broadcasting Information
Channel: e.tv
Schedule: Monday to Friday at 21:00
Episodes: 123-145 (October 1-31, 2025)
Conclusion
October 2025 delivers Smoke & Mirrors at its most intense, balancing high-stakes business drama with personal relationships threatened by hidden pasts. From the woods chase that nearly ends in murder to the boardroom negotiations that shift power dynamics, every episode builds toward revelations that will reshape the series.
The month explores how past actions inevitably catch up with people trying to reinvent themselves, how workers’ collective action can challenge powerful moguls, and how deception in relationships creates foundations destined to crumble.
Whether you’re invested in the business machinations, the romantic entanglements, or the mysterious figures from Zwelethu’s past, October promises compelling television that keeps viewers guessing about who will ultimately control the depot and whether Zwelethu can truly escape his past.
Don’t miss the power plays, shocking revelations, and dangerous confrontations that make Smoke & Mirrors essential viewing. Tune in Monday through Friday at 21:00 on e.tv for a month that proves in business and life, the past is never truly buried.