The video, the charges & the reasons: Babes and Mampintsha over five days
She’s been called our national treasure and he her keeper. While there have been previous allegations of an abusive relationship between Babes Wodumo and Mampintsha, video footage that was broadcast live on her Instagram feed sent shockwaves through South Africa.
From the initial shock of the damning footage to Mampintsha insisting that there was another side to the story, here’s what has happened in the five days since South Africans got an inside look into their relationship.
Footage emerges
In the early hours of Monday morning, video footage of Mampintsha allegedly hitting Babes was posted on a live Instagram feed. By 5am, Babes’s name was trending on social media, with concerns over her whereabouts and whether she was safe.
Family speaks out
Babes’s family spoke to the media, insisting that the singer was in an “abusive relationship” and said she was receiving treatment.
Political parties step in
The EFF said it would open an assault case against Mampintsha, while DA leader Mmusi Maimane challenged Mampintsha to meet him in the boxing ring.
Charges
On Monday night police confirmed that Babes had filed charges of assault against Mampintsha. Meanwhile, there were reports that Mampintsha was “awol” and police were “hunting” for him.
Court appearance
On Tuesday afternoon Mampintsha appeared in court on charges of assault. He was wearing a moon boot that he said was from a previous injury.
Self-defence
Outside court, Mampintsha said he had acted in self-defence. He admitted to hitting Babes, but said she was “drunk” and he was “sober”.
’Babes speaks
Babes's family held a press conference, but said they were not able to divulge any details about the case as it was a police matter. On Instagram, Babes broke her silence.
Backlash
The University of Western Cape issued a statement saying it had a declined an application from West Ink, the company owned by Mampintsha, to have a concert on its grounds.
Assault round two
Police confirmed that Mampintsha laid an assault case again Babes on Tuesday evening. Another case, by an unidentified woman, was opened on Tuesday night. The family said it was aware of the claims.