South African actress and producer Sonia Mbele’s son, Donell, appeared in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, facing two counts of rape. The charges stem from alleged incidents that occurred in December 2024.
### Case Details
According to National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwana, the case had previously been sent back to the police for further investigation. Following the completion of the investigation, the NPA determined the matter was ready for court. The case has now been moved to Court Eight for a bail hearing.
Prior to his court appearance, Donell posted a cryptic Instagram Story featuring a Bible verse from Isaiah 54:17: *“No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.”*
### Allegations
The 23-year-old’s ex-girlfriend accused him of rape, claiming the incidents occurred on December 14 and 15, 2024. She shared her story on Instagram, revealing that the alleged assault took place in Donell’s room. Initially consenting, she later changed her mind and repeatedly asked him to stop, but he refused.
In her detailed account, she said:
*“I was violated by someone I thought I could trust, someone I held close to my heart. I asked him to stop multiple times and even started crying, but he didn’t.”*
She also alleged that Donell recorded the incident without her consent.
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### Past Controversies
This is not Donell’s first brush with the law. In 2022, his former girlfriend, Reokeditswe Makete, accused him of physical abuse. That case, however, was struck off the court roll after Makete failed to appear.https://twitter.com/Newzroom405/status/1881308549059678580?s=19
Sonia Mbele, known for her work on *Generations* and *The Real Housewives of Johannesburg*, addressed the 2022 allegations in a public statement, saying:
*“Donell will face his demons and take accountability for his actions. Rehab, therapy, and internal healing will prevail.”*
### Career Fallout
Entertainment commentator Phil Mphela revealed that Donell was initially slated to appear in the second season of the Showmax reality series *Born Into Fame*. However, following the sexual assault allegations, the opportunity was rescinded.
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### Public Reaction
The allegations have sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many expressing support for the victim while calling for justice to take its course. Sonia Mbele has yet to comment publicly on the latest charges against her son.
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This ongoing case highlights the critical importance of addressing gender-based violence in South Africa, a country grappling with alarmingly high rates of such crimes.