By Chantelle Muzanrnhamo
Harare – The public will have to wait for the verdict in the much publicised case as the magistrate has reserved judgment in the rape case against Thabo Blessing Dube and Martin Charlie, accused of sexually assaulting socialite Ashley Masendeke, popularly known as Mai Jeremaya.
The defence team, led by Shepherd Makonde and George Manokore, argued for the dismissal of charges at the close of the prosecution’s case, asserting that the State had failed to present credible, consistent evidence. They highlighted contradictions in witness testimonies, questioning the reliability of the prosecution’s case.
A key witness, Cythina Duringo, a close friend of Mai Jeremaya, testified that her friend initially admitted to willingly sleeping with one of the accused men because he spoke kindly to her, contradicting Mai Jeremaya’s formal claim of being raped by both men. Duringo recounted Mai Jeremaya’s account of being taken to a lodge in Harare by the two men, who claimed they were escorting her to meet their boss.
Duringo stated that Mai Jeremaya confided in her that she felt more comfortable with a light-skinned man who spoke kindly, and that she agreed to stay with him voluntarily. She also described the encounter as uncomfortable and lengthy, especially with another person entering and leaving the room. Afterward, Mai Jeremaya reportedly received US$10 to return home.
During cross-examination, Makonde pointed out inconsistencies between her testimony and earlier statements, questioning why Mai Jeremaya had left Duringo’s home after the incident and challenging her claim that she attempted to “exorcise” Mai Jeremaya using snuff — a statement Duringo firmly denied. Duringo also admitted to informing Mai Jeremaya’s husband about the alleged assault, despite being asked to keep it secret.
Following Duringo’s testimony, Prosecutor Cecilia Mashingaidze closed the State’s case, leaving the defence to argue that the evidence was insufficient to proceed with a trial.