Harare — Martin Charlie, one of the two men on trial for allegedly raping social media influencer Mai Jeremaya, offered a markedly different version of events in court on Monday, 30 June 2025.
In his testimony, Charlie stated that his encounter with Jeremaya at Paradise Lodge on 30 April was entirely consensual. He claimed Jeremaya enjoyed the experience and even told him he was better in bed than her husband. Charlie described the meeting as a pre-arranged, transactional sexual encounter, which he said was agreed upon beforehand.
According to Charlie, after picking Jeremaya up in Harare’s CBD, they made a brief stop at KFC Joina City before proceeding to the lodge. He emphasized that there was no misunderstanding about the purpose of their meeting.
Inside the lodge room, Charlie alleged that Jeremaya took control of the situation. He recounted that she requested her payment upfront, undressed herself, and initiated physical contact. Charlie claimed she asked if he was enjoying the act and opened a condom with her mouth before putting it on him. He added that Jeremaya then mounted him, and at no point did she appear uncomfortable or distressed.
“When we got into the room, after I closed the door and we sat on the bed, she asked for her money, which was the payment in advance. I gave her the money, which she put away before she removed her clothes, and was left with a bra and pulling socks. She then walked to me, and I stood up. She removed my shirt, started sucking my nipples and kissing my stomach. She then got hold of my belt while kissing my nipples, further removing my trousers, and pushed me onto the bed. She asked me where the condoms were, and I told her they were in my pocket. She took the condom, opened it with her mouth, and put it on me. She then mounted on top of me, asked if I was enjoying it, and I responded that it was going well,” Charlie testified.
He further asserted that Jeremaya never screamed during the act, claiming that the lodge was busy and that her silence indicated consent.
“She never screamed during the act, and she did all she could for us to enjoy, and the place was full. If she had screamed for help, someone would have heard and intervened,” he said.
Charlie also detailed that Jeremaya later demanded more money than initially agreed—first US$500, then US$300—but he stated he was unable to pay either amount. Despite their disagreement over payment, he claimed they took a bath together, and he arranged transportation to take her home afterward.
The court’s proceedings continue as the defense and prosecution present their cases, with Jeremaya’s legal team expected to challenge Charlie’s account in the coming days.