Controversial South African celebrity couple Bongekile Simelane alias Babes Wodumo and Mandla ‘Mampintsha’ Maphumulo have formalised their union in accordance with Zulu traditions after years of dating.
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The celebrated record producer and deejay who is also a member of popular Kwaito music group Big Nuz sent a delegation to Wodumo’s family home earlier this week for Lobola (dowry negotiation), two months after he went on one knee and popped the question to the Wololo chanteuse live on air.
“Lobola negotiations done. She is now officially a Mashimane,” read Wodumo’s Instagram status on December 14 alongside a picture of herself in a traditional dress alongside members of her bridal party. Opening up about the relationship in October soon after proposing during a live show on Gagasi FM, Wodumo said their relationship was fraught with difficulties but she is happy that they overcame.
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“Be my wife Ma Simelane. It’s been years, it’s been a long time my love,” said Mampintsha in October 2020 to a stunned Wodumo who blushingly said ‘Yes’.
“Within a blink of an eye and now I’m left speechless, the journey wasn’t easy but we stuck together through thick and thin. Ngiyabonga Mashimane,” she later posted.
In 2019, the producer appeared in Pinetown Magistrate's Court, Durban to answer to charges of assault after a video of him slapping Wodumo repeatedly during an Instagram live session sparked outrage and led to his arrest. He was freed on a Sh15,000 (2,000 Rand) bail and countersued the singer.
"Babes arrived and she assaulted me. In my defence I hit her back," he told the BBC. "I made a mistake but no-one can accept to be attacked while asleep in bed. I'm sorry for my actions. I ask for forgiveness for raising my hand against her."
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They later dropped charges against each other and reconciled after counselling and intervention by the country’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) arm.
“Both accused and complainant appeared in the Pinetown Magistrate's Court. The matter was finalised in that the charge against Maphumulo was withdrawn. This is because both parties adhered to the ADR process they committed to,” confirmed the National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Natasha Kara.
