Gqom music sensation Babes Wodumo, born Bongekile Simelane, will face trial in January 2025 after being charged with assaulting Durban designer Philly Mhlongo, the owner of SK Dee Designs.
This charge comes after an incident on 28 February 2024, where Philly claims Babes’ crew failed to return borrowed items, leading to a confrontation at his business.
According to a statement shared by SK Dee Designs on Instagram with @maphepha_ndaba, the dispute began when Babes’ dancers, Smiso Zulu and Sanele Smallz, visited the shop on 28 February. They reportedly asked to borrow clothing for a performance at the IFP Manifesto event in Hammersdale but could not afford the full rental price, leaving only R150 after negotiation. The borrowed items were valued at R550 in total.
After weeks of attempting to retrieve the clothing, Philly claims Babes Wodumo and her team arrived at SK Dee Designs intoxicated and aggressive. She alleges that Babes, along with her bouncer, assaulted him and his business partner, known as Descreet Wear. Security footage from the building captures the incident, and Philly has confirmed he is proceeding with legal action.
Daily Sun reports that Babes Wodumo was initially scheduled to appear in court on 27 June and again on 8 October. However, she failed to show up both on occasions, resulting in a warning from the magistrate.
According to the publication, Philly states that Babes’ legal team attempted to resolve the matter outside of court and requested that she consider an apology. However, when the two parties appeared before the court on 14 October, she said Babes refused to apologise. Consequently, the magistrate scheduled the trial for 14, 15 and 16 January 2025.
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