South African musician and performer, Babes Wodumo (real name Bongekile Simelane), is set to appear in court on charges of assault following an altercation with Durban designer Philly Mhlongo. The incident, which occurred on February 28, 2024, is the subject of an ongoing case, with Babes scheduled to face trial at the Durban Magistrates Court on January 14, 15, and 16, 2025. The case has garnered significant attention, particularly given Babes’ high-profile status in the entertainment industry.
The assault allegedly took place at Philly Mhlongo’s SK Dee Designs business, where tensions had already been rising. According to Mhlongo, the trouble began when Babes’ dancers visited the shop ahead of a gig but failed to pay for the clothes they wanted to rent. Despite an agreement that they would return the clothes by the next day, the dancers failed to do so, returning them only on March 12, and in poor condition. Mhlongo claims that when Babes, along with her bodyguard and father, arrived at the shop, they were intoxicated, and the situation escalated, leading to Babes allegedly assaulting her.
Babes was originally scheduled to appear in court on June 27 and October 8, 2024, but failed to attend both hearings. She eventually made her appearance on October 14, 2024, when the trial date was finally set. The case has now moved forward, with the public eagerly awaiting the court’s decision.
KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that an assault case is being investigated by the Durban Central police. He stated that the alleged assault took place on Dr. Pixley KaSeme Street in March 2024, and Babes has already made several appearances in the Durban Magistrates Court regarding the matter. As the trial draws nearer, both Babes Wodumo and her accuser, Philly Mhlongo, are bracing for the legal proceedings to unfold.
