By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Two men accused of raping socialite Ashley Masendeke, known as Mai Jeremaya, have been granted bail of US$200 each by Harare Magistrate yesterday.
Thabo Blessing Dube and Martin Charlie, who were arrested over the weekend, appeared in court facing charges of rape. During their hearing on Monday, the accused made startling claims, asserting that the incident was not rape but an agreed transaction gone wrong.
They claimed that Mai Jeremaya demanded US$500 for the act, but they paid her only US$20, which they say led to her making the allegations. The two also alleged that Mai Jeremaya was aware of their purpose at the lodge and attempted to involve Tafadzwa Chidawa to extort money from them.
Their statements raised questions and cast doubt on the case, prompting the prosecution and the public to scrutinize the allegations.
The State did not oppose the bail application, citing that there was no strong reason to detain Dube and Charlie while awaiting trial.
Prosecutors noted that both men have stable residences and no pending cases or criminal records, reducing concerns about flight risk. They also mentioned that the accused should surrender their passports as a condition of bail.
The court granted bail with the condition that the two men remain available for trial and adhere to any other bail conditions set by the court.