South African Artist Babes Wodumo Was Assaulted by Her Boyfriend on Instagram

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.

READ: Op-Ed: South Africans Are Fine With Muting R Kelly But Not Their Own Problematic Male Artists

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.

READ: The Daily Nightmare of Being a South African Woman Shows No Signs of Ending

South Africans have since been reacting to the news on social media.