Johannesburg - Actress and businesswoman Sonia Mbele has broken her silence after abuse and rape allegations were lodged against her son Donell Mbele.
A woman identified as Reokeditswe Makete posted pictures on Instagram showing bruises on her face and alleging that Donell had been physically abusing and raping her.
According to Makete, Donell reportedly assaulted her when she confronted him about cheating on her.
Sonia took to Instagram to respond to the allegations against her son, saying that Donell would take accountability for his actions.
“I woke up this morning to a different world, a world I thought I had buried. From the age of 17 to 26 I was with a man who was abusive, physically, psychologically and emotionally.
“I’m mentioning this so that you understand that as a woman who has suffered all kinds of abuse, I do not stand for, support and condone such stance. These are struggles I've spoken about extensively in my early career to encourage other women in similar situations,” she said.
The actress said it broke her heart to find out about the abuse reports on social media, and she wished that Mokete had approached her about the matter.
“I not only welcomed Reokeditswe Makete into my home but I treated her as a daughter and worked with her in support of her career in the entertainment industry, and right now I would like to reassure her that she still has my love and support,” Sonia said
“As a mother I wish she had come to me to inform me of what was going on because finding out on social media broke my heart. I've always been there, I've always been supportive.”
Sonia said she realised later that she should have taken preventative measures.
“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,” said the actress.
The Star