GBV: South African actress Sonia Mbele responds to abuse allegations against her son
"I refuse to raise a man like his father. Rehab, therapy, and internal healing will prevail."
Renowned South African actress Sonia Mbele has been left disappointed after allegations of abuse were raised against her son, Donell.
On Wednesday, social media was left buzzing after Donell's girlfriend shared disturbing images and a video detailing the abuse she has had to endure at the hands of Sonia's son.
In the images, which were posted on Twitter, Donell’s ex-girlfriend, Reokeditswe Makete, showed her swollen and bruised face.
Sonia responded to Reokeditswe's claims, saying she wished she had come to her instead of going to the media.
The 'Mr Bones' star also detailed how she suffered abuse while she was in a relationship with Donell's father.
“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 or condone such stance,” she wrote in a statement posted on IG.
“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 full support,” she added.
READ: Actress Sonia Mbele blames ex husband for quitting Generations
The actress and television producer said she regrets not having taken her son to counselling to deal with the trauma of being exposed to abuse.
“I've always been there, I've always been supportive. I now realise I should have taken preventative measures much earlier such as counselling and/or child therapy, but sometimes the mistake we tend to make as African single mothers is to assume and hope that things will work out for the best meanwhile certain past behaviours can affect generations to come,” the actress wrote.
However, she said she is determined to ensure that her son faces the consequences of his actions.
“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,” she said.
Many social media users applauded Sonia for putting her foot down and addressing her son's behaviour.
READ: #CheesecakeGate: Matthew Booth slams Sonia's "unfounded" cheating claims
See the statement and reactions below:
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Image courtesy of Instagram / @Thee Sonia