Singer Broadcast Live Footage Of Boyfriend Assaulting, Punching Her, Sparking Public Outrage

A South African singer broadcast live footage of her being assaulted by a man, sparking public outrage and a probe.

Babes Wodumo was filming a live Instagram session at her home Monday when a man, suspected to be her boyfriend and fellow musician Mandla "Mampintsha" Maphumulo, barged into the room and started assaulting her. The following few seconds showed the man punching her and pulling her hair.

The video caused public outrage with several people telling the singer to press charges against the man.

"We're absolutley horrified by the actions of Musician Mapmpintsha @MampintshaNuz caught on video where he brutally abuses Internationally celebrated Artist @BABESWODUMO," Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa tweeted, adding, "We do not only condemn this senseless act but call on @BABESWODUMO to immediately press charges against him.”

DJ Tira, their music industry friend, released a statement saying, "It is with great sadness we wake up to yet another report of domestic violence when our country is already full of so much shame. My heart is really sad for Babes Wodumo and no woman should have to go through this. For those of you who know me, you know that I have never, and would never enable abuse. I have since reached out to Babes Wodumo who is at home safe and sound.”

The police too issued a statement saying, "The national commissioner has ordered police to trace the whereabouts of Ms. Wodumo so that a statement can be obtained from her and a case opened if indeed it's her being assaulted in the video.”

A few hours after the video went viral, Wodumo filed a criminal complaint against Mampintsha.

“She has opened a case successfully, but we will be giving out more details tomorrow morning,” her spokesperson said Monday, the Eyewitness News reported.

The country's ruling African National Congress too released a statement regarding the viral video.

“The African National Congress (ANC) has noted with shock the video in circulation of the musician, Mandla Maphumulo, popularly known as Mampintsha, allegedly physically abusing his partner, Babes Wodumo. We call on law enforcement authorities to investigate the matter and act swiftly against the perpetrator," the statement said.

"The video circulating on social media is shocking and is an indictment on our society for turning a blind eye to women abuse, thus allowing abusers to act with impunity. The ANC condemns in the strongest possible terms the violent behaviour of Mampintsha as depicted in the video and is encouraged that the police have opened an enquiry docket into the matter. We encourage the victim to lay criminal charges and allow the law to take its course. Too many women suffer in silence because they fear reprisals, which include not being believed or having their testimonies discredited, should they lay charges against their partners,” the statement added, Channel 24 reported.

The investigation was ongoing and the singer was expected to break her silence on the incident Tuesday.