The Donell Mbele rape case has been postponed to 21 March 2025, as the Randburg Magistrate’s Court granted the State more time to consult with the complainant and continue its investigation. The 23-year-old son of popular actress Sonia Mbele made his second court appearance on Monday, as he faced two charges of rape.
Court Proceedings and Postponement
During his brief appearance, Prosecutor Given Mbenzi requested additional time to consult with the complainant, a 17-year-old girl who had filed a case against Mbele with the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Sandton. The court granted the request, setting the next hearing date for 21 March 2025.
Mbele remains out on R1 000 bail, but the magistrate issued a stern warning that should he fail to appear in court on the set date, a warrant for his arrest would be issued, and his bail would be revoked.
Charges Against Donell Mbele
The charges stem from an incident on 14 and 15 December 2024, when Mbele’s estranged girlfriend accused him of sexually assaulting her at his Morningside residence in Johannesburg. The young woman alleged that the two had been on a date at Clearwater Mall on the evening of 14 December. After consuming beverages and realizing the restaurant was closing, Mbele suggested they move to another location.
According to the complainant, Mbele insisted on stopping at his residence under the pretext of needing to charge his phone. Once inside, she alleges that he raped her on both 14 and 15 December.
Mbele’s Life on Bail
Following his release on bail, Donell Mbele posted a cryptic message on Instagram, calling himself “God’s Child”—a statement that left many social media users speculating about his stance on the case. The severity of the allegations has also had professional consequences for the accused.
Showmax Drops Donell Mbele from ‘Born Into Fame’
Mbele was expected to feature in the Showmax reality show Born Into Fame, which follows the lives of celebrity offspring navigating fame. However, after the charges were laid against him, Showmax distanced itself from Mbele.
National Prosecuting Authority Retracts Statement
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) previously released a statement that seemingly identified Mbele as a prominent public figure. However, following backlash, the NPA issued a retraction, admitting that their initial statement was poorly worded and did not meet their high standards of professionalism.
“In keeping with our core values of justice, accountability, and transparency, we acknowledge that the manner in which the statement was crafted does not align with our high standards of professionalism and integrity,” the NPA stated.
Mbele’s Past Allegations of Abuse
This is not the first time that Donell Mbele has faced serious accusations. In 2022, his then-girlfriend Reokeditswe Makete accused him of physically assaulting her after she confronted him about infidelity. Following the allegations, Mbele’s mother, Sonia Mbele, issued a public statement, expressing her support for Makete and revealing that her son had entered rehabilitation. She admitted that their relationship was toxic and characterized by mutual abuse.
However, Makete later refuted Mbele’s mother’s claims, labeling them false and maintaining that she was a victim of abuse.
Awaiting the Next Court Date
With the Donell Mbele rape case postponed to 21 March 2025, legal experts speculate that the case’s outcome will depend on the strength of the complainant’s testimony and any supporting evidence presented by the State. Until then, Mbele remains on bail, awaiting his day in court.
Also Read: Sonia Mbele’s Son Donell Faces Court on Two Rape Charges Following Prior Assault Case
