‘Ngathuka’: Babes Wodumo Reacts to Claims That Mampintsha Faked His Death

Social media has been abuzz after Babes Wodumo, the widow of the late Mandla “Mampintsha” Maphumulo, shared a photo of a man who looks exactly like her late husband.
The striking resemblance led many fans to speculate that Mampintsha might actually be alive and had faked his death—a theory that spread like wildfire on

Babes Wodumo Shares Shocking Discovery
Babes Wodumo, whose real name is Bongekile Simelane, recently stumbled upon a photo of a man seated on a pedal boat with a woman. The man’s resemblance to the Big Nuz star was uncanny, leaving her—and the internet—in shock.
Taking to Instagram, Babes posted the image and wrote: “Ngaze ngathuka,” which translates to “I am shocked.” The post fueled speculation, with some fans questioning if the musician’s death in 2022 was real.
Fans React: “Is Mampintsha Still Alive?”
Fans quickly jumped into the comment section, expressing disbelief and sharing their theories:
- @andiswa6617siwela wrote: “If I didn’t read the caption, I would believe he’s the one. Yhoooo haysana, Father God.”
- @special_child humorously speculated: “He didn’t die because he wanted to date a white girl.”
- @vanz_24k commented: “It’s his doppelgänger. We all have one—you just happened to see it because you’re longing to be with him.”
While some joked about the situation, others shared heartfelt sentiments, noting how much Babes must still miss Mampintsha.
Mampintsha’s Legacy and Passing
The renowned musician passed away on December 24, 2022, after suffering a stroke. His death marked a heartbreaking moment for South Africa’s music industry and left Babes Wodumo devastated. Despite the rumors and online chatter, Babes has always maintained her love and respect for Mampintsha’s memory.
Earlier this year, on Valentine’s Day, she honored her late husband with a touching tribute, sharing a video of their cherished moments together.
“As young as I was when we met, thank you, Father God, for allowing me to find my soulmate at such a young age. What a journey it was, sthandwa sam [my love],” she wrote.
Babes added: “Lapho ukhona [wherever you are], I assure you that the Maphumulo and Simelane families are well taken care of. I love you.”
The Doppelgänger Phenomenon
While the viral photo reignited conversations about Mampintsha, it also served as a reminder of the saying, “Everyone has a twin.” Fans were quick to point out that the resemblance could simply be a case of finding someone who looks eerily similar.
A Love That Lives On
Though Mampintsha is no longer with us, Babes Wodumo continues to keep his memory alive. Her reaction to seeing his lookalike highlights just how deeply she still feels his presence in her life. Whether it’s through tributes or unexpected reminders, their love story remains etched in the hearts of many.