South African actress Sonia Mbele has reportedly remained silent in the wake of fresh allegations of gender-based violence (GBV) against her son, Donell Mbele. This time, Donell faces accusations of sexually assaulting his current girlfriend, Tamia Carvalho, an incident that occurred last month.
The allegations emerge just a year after similar accusations were made by his ex-girlfriend, Reokeditswe Makete.
The Latest Allegations
Tamia Carvalho, who resides in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), took to Instagram to share her story, alleging that Donell assaulted her on December 14 and 15, 2024.
In her post, Tamia detailed the ordeal, claiming Donell had ignored her repeated pleas for him to stop.
“I asked him to stop, and he didn’t. I repeated myself multiple times and even started crying. I remember another incident where he just got on top of me, pinned me down, and forced himself on me,” she wrote.
Following the alleged incident, Tamia returned to her home country and underwent a medical examination at a local clinic.
Tamia also shared screenshots of a text conversation she claims to have had with Donell. In the messages, Donell allegedly responded to her accusations by saying, “You think I’m proud of what I did?”
A Troubling History
This is not the first time Donell Mbele has faced such allegations. In late 2022, his then-girlfriend, Reokeditswe Makete, accused him of physically and emotionally abusing her.
Reokeditswe shared photos of her injuries and screenshots of threatening messages allegedly sent by Donell. In those messages, he reportedly made alarming statements, including threats of sexual violence.
At the time, Sonia Mbele responded publicly, condemning her son’s actions and emphasizing her stance against GBV.
“Donell will face his demons and take accountability for his actions and let the law take its course. Rehab, therapy, and internal healing will prevail,” she said in a statement.
However, her silence regarding the recent allegations has drawn criticism on social media, with many questioning whether she will address the issue as firmly as before.
Tamia’s Account Gains Traction
Tamia’s Instagram post detailing her alleged assault has gone viral, sparking widespread outrage. Social media users have expressed their support for her bravery in coming forward, while others have criticized the perceived inaction on Sonia’s part.
Tamia’s story has also reignited conversations about gender-based violence in South Africa, where statistics on GBV remain alarmingly high.
Activists and public figures have weighed in, calling for justice for Tamia and urging Sonia to address the allegations head-on.
A Complicated Family History
Donell’s father, Leslie Sidibe, has also been accused of domestic abuse, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. This family history of alleged violence has led to debates about the impact of upbringing and environment on Donell’s behavior.
While Sonia Mbele has previously condemned GBV, some have pointed out the need for consistent accountability, particularly given her high-profile platform.
The Call for Justice
The allegations against Donell have once again underscored the importance of holding perpetrators accountable, regardless of their social or familial connections.
Gender-based violence remains a critical issue in South Africa, and incidents involving public figures often bring heightened scrutiny. Activists stress that addressing such cases transparently is essential to dismantling the culture of impunity surrounding GBV.
Tamia’s decision to share her story publicly reflects the courage of many survivors who seek justice despite the risks of backlash and stigma.
What’s Next?
As of now, neither Donell nor Sonia Mbele has released a statement regarding the latest allegations. Legal proceedings or investigations, if any, have not been publicly confirmed.
Meanwhile, social media continues to amplify Tamia’s account, keeping the spotlight on the case and raising broader awareness about the pervasive issue of GBV.
Whether Sonia Mbele will break her silence and address the situation remains uncertain, but public pressure is mounting for her to take a clear stance.
The case serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing battle against gender-based violence and the importance of accountability in all its forms.
