babes wodumo mampintsha

Babes Wodumo and Mampintsha. Photo: Twitter / Babes Wodumo

Babes, Mampintsha halt broadcast of ‘toxic’ reality show with court order

The backlash from violent scenes of the docu-series posted on social media has prompted Babes Wodumo and Mampintsha to interdict the airing of ‘Impilo’.

babes wodumo mampintsha

Babes Wodumo and Mampintsha. Photo: Twitter / Babes Wodumo

Labelled as toxic and violent by many who had seen snippets of Impilo – it seems Babes and Mampintsha have come to their senses and realised the potential damage that their three-part docu-series could have on their brand. 

The couple successfully issued an interdict through the Gauteng High Court just hours before the programme would air on Moja Love at 9:30pm on 23 January.

Mampintsha posts court documents

Taking to Instagram, Mampintsha, real name Moses Maphumulo, posted court documents and a statement.   

“As your entertainers, and sometimes inspirational (people), we always strive to keep you seeing us in a good light. However, as human beings, we accept with regret that we will fail you at times.

“Be assured though that we strive to grow and mature not only as persons but as a couple not immune to fault and imperfections. 

“We noted with great concern your comments and expressions of disappointment at us. We wish to assure you that your disappointment is of great regret to us, as we only seek to entertain you during the times of disappointment, and not the opposite,” the statement read. 

Troubled relationship

Mampintsha and Babes were embroiled in a legal case in 2019 after a video of him being physically violent towards her went viral. The WesInk record label owner was arrested and later brought counter-charges against Babes who was also arrested on separate charges of assaulting a friend. 

The couple then reconciled and underwent a mediation process and their court cases were dismissed. They have, however, made headlines for their alcohol-fuelled fast lifestyle which saw them both trend for missing performances they were both booked for and for appearing unwell after images of their drastic weight loss was posted on Twitter. 

Moja Love distances itself from violence

DStv’s Moja Love channel head Bokani Moyo said in his own statement that the channel did not condone any form of violence.

“The channel is committed to broadcast fair and honest programmes reflecting the lived experiences of all South Africans. We strive to tell South African stories which are narrated by our people in their own voices and languages. The stories are a reflection of the issues which our communities confront daily. 

“In this way, we believe it is important that we confront all topical issues especially if those that are involved can deliver a first-person account of their experiences and present insight of what the motivating actors are behind their actions.” 

Jub Jub the mediator

Impilo was set to be mediated by Uyajola 99 TV presenter Molemo “Jub Jub” Maarohanye. A close friend of the gqom duo, he can be seen speaking to Mampintsha about his music and career while Babes downs two separate bottles of alcohol in the background in a scene from the show.  

Reaction to that clip is likely what led to the couple halting the airing of the show, as it has been going viral since it was posted.