South African pop star live broadcasts 'her boyfriend' assaulting her

A South African singer is thought to have accidentally broadcast live footage of her partner assaulting her in her home.

Babes Wodumo has been urged to give a formal statement to police after an Instagram session in her bedroom was interrupted by a man reportedly her boyfriend fellow musician Mandla 'Mampintsha' Maphumulo, 36.

The following 38 seconds of footage shows Babes Wodumo, real name Bongekile Simelane, being attacked, punched and pulled by the hair by the man.

The shocking clip sparked outrage in South Africa, and has now become part of a police investigation.

A South African police spokesman said: "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."

Wodumo  has declined to comment, but later re-posted the violent clip on her Instagram after the alleged attack.

Her team posted on her Twitter account that 'we would like to thank everyone for the messages (of) support about the early morning video'.

Wodumo, a celebrated performer of gqom music which blends traditional African sounds with house music, will issue a statement later on Monday, it added.

Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa said he was "horrified" and called on the singer to press charges.

Several high-profile women in the entertainment industry have posted messages of support for Wodumo.

'My heart is really sad for Babes Wodumo and no women should have to go through this,' wrote DJ Tira on her Instagram.