Babes Wodumo Pleads Not Guilty To Assault Charges As Trial Begins

The Background: What Led to the Allegations?

Last year, popular musician Babes Wodumo, whose real name is Bongekile Simelane, became embroiled in a heated dispute with Philly Mhlongo, a designer affiliated with Sk’Dee Designs.

The altercation escalated into a physical confrontation and was captured on video and widely shared online. The incident quickly became a topic of national discussion, with many calling for accountability.

The conflict reportedly stemmed from unpaid fees related to garments hired for a performance by Babes Wodumo’s dancers, Smiso Zulu and Sanele Smallz.

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The designer claimed that the dancers failed to settle the full payment for outfits rented for their performance at the IFP manifesto launch. Babes Wodumo, as their employer, was allegedly held responsible for the outstanding balance.

The Confrontation: A Heated Exchange Turns Physical

The incident, which took place in March 2024, was marked by a tense argument between the gqom star and the designer. In a now-viral video, Babes Wodumo can be heard yelling at Philly Mhlongo, who responded,

“Fokof! This is not the first time Babe’s dancers owe me. I never said she owes me.”

The situation reportedly escalated after an extended argument over a R150 deposit left by the dancers. Tempers flared, and the altercation turned physical, prompting the intervention of security personnel and Babes’s father, Pastor Welcome Simelane, who tried to de-escalate the situation.

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Babes Wodumo pleads not guilty to assault allegations

The trial began on Thursday, and the accusations against Babes Wodumo were brought into the courtroom. Represented by her defence attorney, Thula Mlondo, Babes pleaded not guilty to charges of assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

During the proceedings, Mlondo raised questions about the legitimacy of the video evidence presented by the prosecution. He argued that how the footage was obtained could render it inadmissible. In response, Magistrate Ntokozo Myeni requested the video for review. However, the prosecution failed to produce the footage in court, leading to the case being postponed.