South African Artist Babes Wodumo Was Assaulted by Her Boyfriend on Instagram
The singer and dancer was seen being beaten by her boyfriend on Instagram Live.
Babes Wodumo, real name Bongekile Simelane, is a South African singer and dancer who is well-known in the genre of Gqom music. Her relationship with her musician boyfriend and manager, Mampintsha, real nameMandla Maphumulo, has long been in the public eye as Mampintsha has allegedly physically assaulted Babes Wodumo numerous times.
Last night, Babes Wodumo was seen by South Africans being physically assaulted by Mampintsha on Instagram Live. The video, which starts off with a view of what appears to be a hotel room, shows neither Babes or Mampintsha. However, commotion can be heard in the background. Babes then appears in the video and she is heard asking Mampintsha why he assaulted her. He then subsequently appears a few seconds later and slaps her in the face repeatedly. It's a frightening and appalling video to watch and may upset sensitive viewers.
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South African Arts and Culture Minister, Nathi Mthethwa, released a statement condemning the assault of Babes Wodumo and shared parts of it on Twitter saying:
"We're absolutley horrified by the actions of Musician Mampintsha @MampintshaNuz caught on video where he brutally abuses Internationally celebrated Artist @BABESWODUMO. We do not only condemn this senseless act but call on @BABESWODUMO to immediately press charges against him (sic)."
Many of Babes Wodumo's fans were horrified by what was happening and asked her if she was okay. However, in what can only be described as an inconceivable display of victim blaming, others began laughing at her. They expressed how they felt the assault was deserved and entirely her fault because she "chose" not to leave Mampintsha even after her abuse was exposed on national radio last year by the controversial radio host, Masechaba Ndlovu.
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South Africans have since been reacting to the news on social media.
1. We're absolutley horrified by the actions of Musician Mapmpintsha @MampintshaNuz caught on video where he brutal… https://t.co/9oUj6yVGos— Min. Nathi Mthethwa (@Min. Nathi Mthethwa) 1551673126.0
If South Africa does not make an example of Mampintsha they have not only failed Babes Wodumo they have failed Sout… https://t.co/RicLUOdlOa— Kudzai 🇿🇼/🇿🇦 (@Kudzai 🇿🇼/🇿🇦) 1551658566.0
Sis, @BABESWODUMO, whatever decisions you make today, do not make them out of fear. We stand with you. Ignore those… https://t.co/CVEFNB9mYi— Hulisani Ravele (@Hulisani Ravele) 1551674885.0
The SA music scene is sanctuary for abusive men. Mampintsha and Okmalumkoolkat still get booked. Cleo posts tweets… https://t.co/Bn2HVeICUn— Stella Was a Diver and She Was Always Down (@Stella Was a Diver and She Was Always Down) 1551672687.0
#BabesWodumo #Mampintsha Here’s what the provisions say on Domestic Violence Babes SHOULD open a case or give… https://t.co/8te8SRsiDK— Tumi Sole (@Tumi Sole) 1551679974.0
Guys like Mampintsha need to be arrested, but we also need Babes Wodumo to lay charges. We don't wanna lose any mor… https://t.co/cxyOMxB4Qw— Bra VEE (@Bra VEE) 1551655332.0
Alleged? We have eyes! We SAW Mampintsha beating Babes Wodumo how is that proof "alleged" ? GTFO!!!! https://t.co/5N7QKrNToX— Sheldon Cameron (@Sheldon Cameron) 1551678670.0
May we please keep @BABESWODUMO in our prayers. With everything that is happening, I’m hoping she feels safe wherev… https://t.co/FaBCzn3obh— #BAKAE OUT NOW (@#BAKAE OUT NOW) 1551682047.0
What babes did was so brave. @BABESWODUMO you are not alone my love.— Jessica Nkosi (@Jessica Nkosi) 1551683710.0
Mampintsha’s greediness of featuring himself on every track in Babes Wodumo’s CD is an abuse on its own. #BabesWodumo #Mampintsha— Man's Not Barry Roux (@Man's Not Barry Roux ) 1551674880.0
A video of singer Babes Wodumo being beaten by her partner Mampintsha has gone viral on social media. The singer we… https://t.co/UZJxdSeO0k— SABC News Online (@SABC News Online) 1551680453.0