Babes Wodumo dragged to court over assault charges

Babes Wodumo, whose real name is Bongekile Simelane-Maphumulo from Lamontville, south of Durban, recently appeared in court accompanied by her father, Bishop Welcome Simelane.

The gqom star who pleads not guilty faces assault charges for allegedly attacking Durban designer Philile “Philly” Mhlongo of SK Designs on 12 March 2024.

 

 

 
Her three-day assault trial commenced on Thursday, 23 January, at the Durban Magistrates Court.

The incident allegedly took place at Philile’s business premises in West Walk, West Street, Durban CBD, and was reportedly captured by the store’s security cameras.

During the court proceedings, Philile testified that Babes allegedly slapped her in the face with an open hand, and the entire incident was recorded on camera.

She stated that after the incident, she requested the footage from the store supervisor, who allowed her to view it but could not provide a copy.

Philile then recorded the footage on her cellphone, transferred it to a USB, and handed it over to the investigating officer.

Babes’ attorney, Thula Mlondo, challenged the admissibility of the footage, questioning the procedure followed in obtaining it.

As a result, Magistrate Ntokozo Myeni instructed state prosecutor Ntokozo Ngema to present the video evidence in court.

However, the prosecutor informed the court that the video was not available, as the defense had not previously contested it during the pre-trial conference.

Consequently, the magistrate postponed the case to Monday, 27 January, to allow the state to secure the footage.

The trial, which began on 23 January, is scheduled to continue on 27 January and 7 February.