Bulelwa Hoala

The son of actress Sonia Mbele, Donell Mbele (23), was released on R1000 bail after appearing in the Randburg Magistrates Court on Monday.
According to reports, Donell is facing two charges of rape after his girlfriend accused him of raping her on the 14th and 15th of December 2024.
National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane says the alleged incident took place at Donell’s residence in Morningside and the case was opened at Sandton Police Station.
“The charges emenate from a complaint registered with Sandton South African Police Service (SAPS) by his 17-year-old girlfriend who alleges that Mbele raped her on 14 and 15 December 2024 at his place of residence in Morningside.
“She explained that the two of them were out on a date at Clear Water Mall on the 14th. After consuming some beverages and upon realising that the restaurant they were seated at, was about to close, they both agreed to a different venue.
“She said that the accused allegedly indicated that he wanted them to pass by his place of residence as he needed to charge his phone. On arrival, that’s when the incident allegedly occurred,” Mjonondwane said in a statement.
The case has been postponed to Monday, 10 February 2025 due to pending investigations.
This is not the first time Donell stands accused of gender-based violence.
In 2022 his girlfriend at the time, Reokeditswe Makete, accused Donell of physically assaulting her after she confronted him for cheating.
Sonia released a statement in which she strongly condemned her son’s actions and revealed that Donell was undergoing rehab.
“With that said, Donell will face his demons and take accountability for his actions and let the law take its course. I refuse to raise a man like his father. Rehab, therapy and internal healing will prevail,” Sonia said.
READ NEXT: NSPCA lays charges against TikToker for pouring alcohol into fish’s mouth



