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UPDATE: 2019-03-04
17:10
The ANC has released an official statement on the alleged viral abuse video involving Babes Wodumo and Mampintsha.
"The African National Congress (ANC) has noted with shock the video in circulation of the musician, Mandla Maphumulo, popularly known as Mampintsha, allegedly physically abusing his partner, Babes Wodumo. We call on law enforcement authorities to investigate the matter and act swiftly against the perpetrator," says the statement released by the ANC."The video circulating on social media is shocking and is an indictment on our society for turning a blind eye to women abuse, thus allowing abusers to act with impunity."
"The ANC condemns in the strongest possible terms the violent behaviour of Mampintsha as depicted in the video and is encouraged that the police have opened an enquiry docket into the matter. We encourage the victim to lay criminal charges and allow the law to take its course. Too many women suffer in silence because they fear reprisals, which include not being believed or having their testimonies discredited, should they lay charges against their partners."
UPDATE: 2019-03-04
15:52
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has opened an inquiry docket into the alleged assault of "Gqom Queen" Babes Wodumo after video footage emerged showing her partner Mampintsha allegedly assaulting her.
UPDATE: 2019-03-04
13:51
Local musician Babes Wodumo has released a statement on Twitter, thanking "everyone for the messages [of] support about the early morning video."
According to the statement posted on Babes' official Twitter page, she is unable to do any interviews as she is still too "emotional about the situation" and will release a statement on social media later on Monday.
UPDATE: 2019-03-04
11:30
DJ Tira has released a statement following the Babes and Mampintsha viral video, saying: "My heart is really sad for Babes Wodumo and no women should have to go through this."
"It is also with great sadness I have to deal with the backlash of this issue as a third party continuously being dragged by the South African public," he added.
DJ Tira did not openly name Mampintsha in the statement.
Claims of the alleged domestic abuse first surfaced in 2018, when Babes was confronted by Masechaba Ndlovu on Metro FM.
DJ Tira, who has close ties with Babes and Mampintsha, denied having any knowledge of the alleged abuse at the time.
"I have never, and would never enable abuse," he said in the statement.
READ THE FULL STATEMENT HERE:
UPDATE: 2019-03-04
11:30
Leader of the Democratic Alliance Mmusi Maimane has challenged Mampintsha to 'three rounds in a boxing ring."
Taking to Twitter, Mmusi wrote: "He must bring it on, violence against woman must be condemned. A charge must be opened."
"It makes me sick this behaviour," he added.
SEE THE TWEET HERE:
UPDATE: 2019-03-04
11:22
Economic Freedom Fighters KwaZulu-Natal to open criminal charges against Mampintsha
The EFF KwaZulu-Natal led by Chairperson Cmrs Vusi Khoza will be opening criminal charges against Mampintsha for allegedly assaulting Babes Wodumo.
SEE PRESS RELEASE BELOW:
UPDATE: 2019-03-04
10:57
Babes Wodumo's sister Nonduh Simelane has labelled a media release making rounds online as "lies."
According to the online statement the viral video was a "preplanned domestic violence video clip." (See social media post here)
When questioned about the media release, Nonduh told The Juice: "Lies, lies, lies. Babes is currently sleeping and she is traumatised."
UPDATE: 2019-03-04
9:55
Speaking to The Juice Babes Wodumo's sister Nonduh Simelane confirmed the authenticity of the viral video, saying: "It is very, very real."
When asked about Babes' well-being, she said: "She is doing okay, she is resting and she is safe."
According to Nonduh, Mampintsha has disappeared and his current whereabouts are still unknown.
Commenting on the alleged abuse, Nonduh said that it is an "everyday occurrence."
"The last time we spoke she said that she will be opening a case," she said.
Cape Town - Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa has released a statement condemning domestic violence.
This comes after video footage of a man, who appears to be musician Mampintsha, assaulting a woman, who appears to be Babes Wodumo, surfaced.
The clip in question was filmed on Wodumo’s Instagram Live on Sunday night but has since been removed.
Shortly after the incident went viral on social media Minister Mthethwa shared a statement on Twitter.
He wrote: “We're absolutley horrified by the actions of Musician Mapmpintsha @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)”
He continued: “@GovernmentZA will never tolerate gender-based violence. It is informed by a twisted logic of patriarchal power relations in society. We call on all South Africans to isolate the perpetrators & to fight & defeat gender-based violence with the same zeal as when we fought racism.”
SEE THE FULL STATEMENT HERE:
2. @GovernmentZA will never tolerate gender-based violence. It is informed by a twisted logic of patriarchal power relations in society. We call on all South Africans to isolate the perpetrators & to fight & defeat gender-based violence with the same zeal as when we fought racism pic.twitter.com/EXIE61sajg
— Min. Nathi Mthethwa (@NathiMthethwaSA) March 4, 2019
In an interview on MetroFM in 2018 Masechaba Ndlovu confronted Wodumo about reports of abuse. The singer did not confirm or deny the allegations.
Mampintsha later responded to the allegations saying he is "no saint" and appeared on the same radio show asking people to "pray" for the couple.
Following the Minister's statement other local celebrities took to Twitter to comment.
SEE THE TWEETS HERE:
Mampintsha needs to be stopped. I hope they make an example out of him so every man knows that hitting a woman is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. My heart breaks for Babes. ??
— #MeetingYourPower #ERAbyDJZinhle #ZeeNation (@DJZinhle) March 4, 2019
What #BabesWodumo has done is a blatant cry for help. As a country we have been through a horrific week, we’ve lost #Thoriso and #Sbu to violence. Here is someone that is still alive and needs intervention of @SAPoliceService IMMEDIATELY before we lose her too. Do something now!
— Mpho Popps Modikoane (@MphoPopps) March 4, 2019
Sis, @BABESWODUMO, whatever decisions you make today, do not make them out of fear. We stand with you. Ignore those who say it’s your fault & why didn’t you leave that time, today is today. @MampintshaNuz laying a hand on you is a crime. Stand sisi, we are standing with you. ??
— Hulisani Ravele (@HulisaniRavele) March 4, 2019
Has @SAPoliceService arrested @MampintshaNuz yet!? Any word on that! I heard Babes is safe now. This cannot continue being our reality! Women are not your emotional,Psychological and Physical punching bags!
— #ThandwaNdim (@AmandaBlackSA) March 4, 2019
Neither of the musicians responded to The Juice's multiple requests for comment at the time of publishing. The story will be updated when comment is received.
