WATCH: Wendy Mbatha & boyfriend arrested after heavily beating up a pregnant woman

Well-known social media influencer Wendy Mbatha, the sister of international actress Nomzamo Mbatha, appeared in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday alongside her boyfriend for the assault of a pregnant woman in a shopping mall last week.

Mbatha and her boyfriend, Senzo Cele, were captured on camera repeatedly punching the pregnant woman. The video has since been shared across social media.

Mbatha and Cele were charged for assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm to Snothile Gumede, who is believed to be about three months pregnant. The couple were arrested in KwaMashu on Sunday and appeared in court on Monday where they were granted R1500 bail each.

The matter adjourned for further investigation and for witness and complainant statements. They are expected to return to court on April 29.

KwaZulu-Natal Social Development MEC Nonhlanhla Khoza commended police for the swift arrest of the two suspects “linked to a despicable act of gender-based violence against a pregnant woman”.

According to the Department, a team of detectives, assembled promptly by the police, successfully tracked down the man seen “brutally” assaulting a the pregnant woman in a video circulated on social media last Thursday.

Following widespread public outrage over the severity of the assault, the minister sent a team of social workers to support the victim and engage police to prioritise the case.

Khoza expressed gratitude to the public for their solidarity with the victim and her family, offering support during this ordeal. “The assault on this vulnerable woman is an affront to the principles of humanity and decency.

“Such horrendous acts have no place in our society and those responsible must face the full might of the law.

“We demand swift justice and we are pleased that the police acted swiftly, arresting the suspects in less than 48 hours,” she said.

Khoza emphasised the urgent need for accountability in addressing gender-based violence. “We are outraged by the barbarity of this attack, a clear manifestation of the pervasive scourge of gender-based violence in our communities.

We must stand united against such atrocities and work tirelessly to eradicate the toxic culture that perpetuates violence against women

“We must collectively strive to create a society where women and girls can live free from fear of violence and discrimination,” affirmed Khoza.

She urged the community to translate their outrage into action by supporting survivors and implementing robust measures to prevent gender-based violence.

“We must actively condemn and report any instances of gender-based violence, fostering a culture of accountability and solidarity in the fight against this pervasive menace,” added the MEC.