Local Series: Bieber concert rip-off makes for exciting TV

05 February 2016 - 02:59 By Leonie Wagner and Yolisa Mkele

South African detectives need to consider turning to television to solve their biggest crimes. HEISTNew local television series Heist premieres on e.tv next week. It is based on the mysterious 2013 cash heist that took place at the Justin Bieber concert in Johannesburg.While Bieber had teenage girls and their mothers drooling, a group of professional robbers made off with an estimated $300000.At the time the flawless cash heist left aspiring criminals envious and the SAPS with egg on its face.But the series, directed by Rolile Nikiwe, comes with the disclaimer: "We don't know what happened."Nikiwe, an-award winning director, is the creator of local favourite Rhythm City .Set in dusty Alexandra township, the series stars local favourites Jerry Mofokeng, Generations child star Wright Ngubeni, Kenneth Nkosi, Jody Abrahams and former reality series host Phumeza Mdabe.Equipped with witty one-liners and the roarings of the classic Gusheshe, it's a relatable story.Many people plan the perfect robbery and the rule is always simple: act natural. But money can be counted on to reveal who people really are.It should come as no surprise that the robbery is an inside job, masterminded by a scorned ex-employee seeking revenge.When Talent, played by Mofokeng, is fired from his stadium job of over 20 years, he becomes distraught, disillusioned and desperate and begins a quest to assemble a team to pull off one of the biggest cash heists in local history.Heist may have uniquely South African elements, but the basic story line is as common as beer at a braai.The local version bears striking resemblance to the 2006 US series of the same title.Heist has the right amount of drama, comedy, romance and stereotypes to help the audience to relate. - Leonie WagnerHeist will be flighted on e.tv every Tuesday at 21.35pm.THE VOICEWe've all heard the ''too much of a good thing" speech - this is not a message that has been passed to the people at M-Net.Not three months after what's-his-face won Idols, they've delivered another reality singing show, The Voice.Based on the hit US reality show of the same name, The Voice sticks a bunch of singers in front of four ''coaches". After hearing each performance, the coaches, if impressed, must try and convince them that he or she is best suited to take them to the grand prize.Lira and Bobby van Jaarsveld play the role of the nice coaches, while Kahn Morbee and Karen Zoid are the edgy ones.As the coaches are trying to recruit singers, none of them really get the chance to be cruel, à la Idols' Randall Abrahams.The Voice injects a dose of competent singing into your viewing schedule if that's your thing. - Yolisa MkeleThe Voice airs Sundays on DStv..

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