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.

Lorna Maseko labelled a poor cook

Lorna Maseko gets dragged on social media following the announcement of her partnership with the South African Airways.

The news garnered lots of congratulatory messages, but critics utilised the opportunity to roast her cooking skill.

An X user wrote, “Huge bag, great for her, sad for customers because she can’t cook.”

 

 

 

 

 
Another user shared a video of Lorna’s cooking on X, which didn’t impress a majority of users.

“Pan frying cabbage and calling it “braised cabbage”?? Lorna Maseykhuuur, your sins are many,” the tweep captioned the video.

Another commented, “I’m still mad at her teaching that American cooking influencer how to make chakalaka but it was just relish(tamatie gravy) and got pissy when I called her out.”

Lorna Maseko labelled a poor cook

Lorna Maseko gets dragged on social media following the announcement of her partnership with the South African Airways.

The news garnered lots of congratulatory messages, but critics utilised the opportunity to roast her cooking skill.

An X user wrote, “Huge bag, great for her, sad for customers because she can’t cook.”

Another user shared a video of Lorna’s cooking on X, which didn’t impress a majority of users.

“Pan frying cabbage and calling it “braised cabbage”?? Lorna Maseykhuuur, your sins are many,” the tweep captioned the video.

Another commented, “I’m still mad at her teaching that American cooking influencer how to make chakalaka but it was just relish(tamatie gravy) and got pissy when I called her out.”

Famous X user Chris Excel also shared a photo of the celebrity chef’s food which further left online users irked.

Peopl are beginning to question how Lorna Maseko secured the deal with the airline.

Naledi Aphiwe accepted into UJ

Fast-rising South African singer Naledi Aphiwe recently shared news with her fans—she has been accepted into the University of Johannesburg to study Hospitality.

Taking to Facebook to announce her acceptance, she wrote, “Accepted at UJ, Hospitality into engizonijova yona 😭,” sparking a wave of reactions from her followers.

 

 

 

 
She further wrote, “Shuthi lo Bachelor ngiwuthole ngenkosi kanti i Hospitality ayihlangene ne Sbhedlela.”

The announcement garnered tons of engagement, with fans flooding the comments section with their thoughts and well-wishes.

Some humorously referred to her as a doctor due to the term “hospital,” while others took the opportunity to offer career advice and encouragement as she embarks on this new journey.

Naledi, who recently dropped her single Romeo and Juliet, has been making waves in the music industry with her unique sound and growing fan base.

Despite her music career taking off, she remains committed to furthering her education and expanding her opportunities in the hospitality industry.

Makhadzi has a new single on the way, ‘Maarab’

Makhadzi sparks a stir on social media again due to her poor grammar.

The South African singer is known for being consistent with spilling poor English, however, her confidence beats any form of mockery.

 

 

 

 

 

 
Taking to Facebook, Makhadzi promoted her forthcoming single, Maarab.

“I am sorry to not reply early khadzinators.MAARAB SONG WILL DROP NEXT WEEK FRIDAY 31 January,” she wrote.

She continued the post by urging her fans to stop video calling her in the morning, as she is just waking up.

However, Makhadzi’s spelling of ‘morning’ left her comment abuzz.

“But please guys, I understand you have crush on me but please stop calling me with a video call in the morning .. I no look the same on my photo when I wake up in mourning,” she added.

Is this intentional or she’s indeed poor in English?

Naledi Aphiwe and Mawelele drop new single

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and some of Mzansi’s artists are setting the mood!

South African music talents Naledi Aphiwe and Mawelele have finally released their much-anticipated single after weeks of building excitement.

The new track, titled “Romeo and Juliet,” dropped today, and fans are already raving about it.

 

 

 

 

 
While the teasers shared earlier had sparked dating rumors, it was later revealed that the duo had simply been collaborating on this musical masterpiece.

Social media has been buzzing with praise for the song. One fan couldn’t contain their excitement, commenting:
“Chillllllllddddddd!!!!!!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥 Just listened to the song, bona, on repeat for the year! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Khuphuka mama!”

It’s safe to say “Romeo and Juliet” is a Valentine’s gift fans won’t forget anytime soon

Reality TV star and traditional healer Makhotso Mofokeng, popularly known as Gogo Maweni, was denied bail following her first court appearance at the Protea Magistrates Court.

The sangoma was arrested on Sunday, and subsequently, on Monday, she appeared in court for a case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, which dates back to 2019.
GOGO MAWENI ARRESTED ON AN ASSAULT CHARGE

Gogo Maweni remains in custody after her bail application was denied on Monday.

 

 

 

 

 

 
The celebrity sangoma appeared at the Protea Magistrates Court in a case of of ault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, dating back to 2019.

In a statement, Phindi Mjonondwane, NPA Johannesburg regional spokesperson, said:

“The accused was arrested on 19 January 2025, in connection with an alleged incident that occurred on 17 December 2019, in Dlamini, Soweto. It is alleged that Mofokeng used a bottle to assault the complainant, striking her in the mouth”

“The matter was previously provisionally closed due to the untraceability of the complainant. However, further investigations have led to the accused’s arrest and court appearance,” the statement reads.

The case has been postponed until Monday, 27 January, for a formal bail application.
MZANSI REACTS TO GOGO MAWENI’S ARREST

@MPOLA8 wrote: “That arrest is only going to make Gogo Maweni resent Gogo Skhotheni all over again. Deep down she’s going to blame her because she’s the one who brought light and attention to all these unresolved cases. That friendship is doomed lm afraid.”

@GladsonSibiya wrote: “That Gogo Maweni arrest was long overdue. I asked for it the first time I saw her.”

@DrShakes_SD wrote “2025 lesson never enter people’s news! Gogo Maweni entered Nobangela and Dominic’ news jiki jiki isele ngaye.”
GOGO MAWENI ARRESTED IN SUNDAY

Maweni’s arrest follows allegations made by traditional healer Gogo Skhotheni, who claimed that Maweni is linked to two murder cases.

She made the explosive allegations in a video shared on X by @EvansMathibe. According to Skhotheni, Maweni called her best friend Precious to go outside under the pretence of receiving a gift.

However, Precious asked her husband to fetch the present for her while she was bathing. Meanwhile, when he went outside to receive it, he was tragically shot.

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Samthing Soweto turns 37 years old

Samthing Soweto reaches a milestone on Tuesday, 21st of January.

The South African musician whose social media presence hasn’t been consistent took to Twitter to announce his 37th birthday.

 

 

 

 
He wrote, “37 years today.”

Fans flooded the tweet with birthday wishes to the music star.

Meanwhile, Samthing has been mute on all socials after the exploitation saga between him and DJ Maphorisa occurred last year.

However, he broke an exciting news this year; stating that he has an EP on the way.

Thuli P said it cost her lots of money to book Zonke

South African actress-turned-DJ Thulisile Phongolo recently opened up about the challenges she faced trying to book Zonke for her 31st birthday celebration.

Phongolo, who marked the milestone on Wednesday, took to her Instagram stories to express how much she wanted the renowned musician to perform at her special event.

 

 

 

 
However, the process proved to be overwhelming, with Thuli humorously stating that it nearly “claimed her life” due to the high costs involved.

Despite her love for Zonke’s music, she admitted that booking the artist was a costly experience she wouldn’t repeat next year.

Sharing her thoughts, she wrote:
“The fact that I have to rob a bank to book Zonke for my birthday makes me sad! Next year, I’m closing my eyes!!! Valentine’s Day, anyone???”Thuli Phongolo dedicated a post to herself on her birthday; she expressed gratitude in the caption.

“I’m doing a new thing, can you not perceive it?” – Isaiah 43:19 🤍 THANK YOU GOD, forever grateful,” she wrote.

Gogo Mazini undergoes multiple cosmetic surgeries in Turkey

Popular businesswoman, transgender activist, and celebrity sangoma, Tyra Sindane, widely known as Gogo Manzini, is currently on the road to recovery after undergoing a series of cosmetic procedures in Turkey.

The procedures include a Brazilian butt lift, tummy tuck, liposuction, nose job, and fox eye surgery, all performed just a few days ago.

Currently resting at a hotel in Turkey, Gogo Manzini is receiving medical care while her husband, actor Brian Sindane, remains by her side to assist with her recovery.

Despite struggling with the aftermath of the surgeries—finding it difficult to eat, speak, or move—she remains optimistic.

 
“The pain is intense, but I believe the results will be worth it in the end,” she shared. Although the procedures were pain-free, she admitted that the breast augmentation has been the most challenging in terms of post-surgery discomfort.

“I can’t talk properly, and eating is difficult due to the procedure I had to slim my face. It’s painful, but I have no regrets,” she explained. “What matters most is that I woke up after the surgery. Some people don’t make it through.”

Gogo Manzini’s transformation journey began last year when she started with lip and facial fillers, alongside a skin-lightening regimen.

“I’ve been gradually watching my skin become lighter and brighter, and I’m ready to take things to the next level,” she said.

Before committing to the surgeries, she conducted thorough research to ensure she chose the right doctors and clinic.

“I studied the recovery process, potential risks, and the required medication. I was well-prepared because I knew achieving my dream body would be worth it,” she added.

With a six-week recovery period ahead, Gogo Manzini is excited about the final results. “Once I’m fully healed, I’ll look like a porcelain doll,” she confidently stated.

South African actress Mampho Brescia and her husband recently celebrated a remarkable 20 years of marriage, marking a milestone in their loving journey together. Mampho shared a heartfelt tribute to her husband on social media, writing, “20 YEARS of bliss ANNIVERSARY, My Darling husband, half of Me,” showcasing their enduring connection.

Congratulations to actress Mampho Brescia and her husband, Nicola Brescia, on their 20th wedding anniversary! 🥂🎊
Their love for each other and beautiful journey together was celebrated in style with special friends and family at the Moon and Sixpence, where they were married 20 years ago.
Congratulations to the Brescias. We wish you many more years of happiness. ❤

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Their love story began in an unexpected place—a gym—where Mampho initially thought her husband might be a potential stalker. However, after chatting with him, she was quickly drawn to his warmth and kindness. “He called me the next day, and we went on a date. I knew then that he would be my husband,” she recalled in a past interview with Bona Magazine.

The couple married just one year after their first date, and Mampho has often spoken about her husband’s deep, unwavering love for her. “He loves me with a love that is ethereal,” she said. She also described their bond as “alien-like” and affectionately calls him her amore, a tribute to their extraordinary connection.

To further honor her husband, Mampho has a tattoo on her arm that reads “more,” symbolizing her deep love for him. She got the tattoo while living in the U.S., missing him dearly, proving that their bond is as strong and timeless as their 20 years together.