Donell Mbele, the 23-year-old son of renowned actress Sonia Mbele, appeared in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday to face two charges of rape.
Donell Mbele rape case: Here’s what we know
The charges stem from an alleged incident involving his ex-girlfriend in December 2024.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that the case had been previously investigated by the police and referred back for further inquiry.
Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwana stated:
“Once those investigations were concluded, the docket was brought back to us, and today we felt the matter is court-ready.”
The charges relate to alleged incidents on 14 and 15 December 2024, at Donell’s home. His ex-girlfriend publicly accused him of violating her trust and ignoring her repeated pleas to stop.
In an Instagram post, she detailed her ordeal:
“At first, I consented, but later changed my mind and didn’t want to get through with it. I asked him to stop, and he didn’t. I repeated myself multiple times and even started crying because he wouldn’t stop.”
She also alleged that Donell recorded the incident without her consent.
Monday’s court proceedings primarily focused on procedural matters, with the case moved to another courtroom for a bail hearing.
Ahead of his appearance, Donell shared a cryptic Instagram post featuring a Bible verse, Isaiah 54:17:
“No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.”
This is not the first time Donell has faced serious accusations.
In 2022, his then-girlfriend, Reokeditswe Makete, accused him of physical abuse. Makete shared graphic details and photos of injuries allegedly inflicted by Donell during their relationship, including bruises and a torn-off nail.
Makete claimed that she endured at least four instances of abuse, describing being struck in the face, suffocated, and dragged around the house during the most recent incident.
Initially reluctant to press charges, citing her love for Donell and concerns about the public scrutiny his mother might face, she eventually decided to go public, stating, “I realised this man isn’t going to change.”
The court is expected to hear Donell’s bail application, with further updates likely to emerge as the case progresses.