Sonia Mbele’s rape-accused son Donell granted bail

Actor and producer Sonia Mbele with her 23-year-old son Donell. (Instagram/donell.__)

After appearing in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court, actor and producer Sonia Mbele’s 23-year-old son Donell was released on R1 000 bail on Monday afternoon.

Appearing in court with a cast on one of his legs and crutches in hand, Donell faced two charges of rape.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said the cases against him were registered by his 17-year-old girlfriend at the Sandton police station for incidents that allegedly happened on 14 and 15 December at his home in Morningside after their date at Clearwater Mall in Roodepoort.

“After consuming some beverages and upon realising that the restaurant they were seated at was about to close, they both agreed to move to a different venue,” Mjonondwane explained.

“She said 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 incidents allegedly occurred.”

He is expected back in court on Monday, 10 February, after the case was postponed for further investigations.

This, however, was not the first time Donell faced allegations of this nature.

In November 2022, Reokeditswe Makete claimed he had been physically and sexually abusive toward her.

Addressing the matter as it went viral on social media, Donell’s mother said Makete had her “love and full support”.

The former Generations actor also opened up about being with a man who was physically, psychologically and emotionally abusive toward her from age 17 to 26, adding that her son would “face his demons and take accountability for his actions and let the law take its course”.