Tinaye Agere
Yeukai Karengezeka
Court Correspondent
Two suspects, Thabo Blessing Dube and Martin Charlie, charged with gang-raping prominent socialite Ashley Masendeke, also known as “Mai Jeremeya,” were remanded in custody by Harare regional magistrate Mrs Marehwanazvo Gofa.
Dube and Charlie will appear again in court tomorrow for a ruling on their bail application, following yesterday’s remand hearing in this heinous crime that has garnered widespread attention.
According to prosecutor Mr Rufaro Chonzi, the events leading to the alleged assault began on April 9, 2025, when Dube contacted Masendeke, inviting her to a business meeting.
However, the meeting did not take place on the scheduled date. On April 30, Masendeke reportedly received a WhatsApp message from Charlie, who arranged to meet her at Megawatt Building, along Samora Machel Avenue.
Charlie then drove her to Number 11 Frank Johnson Avenue in Eastlea, Harare, under the pretense that there was a business meeting.
The court heard that upon arrival, Charlie entered a building, claiming he was meeting his boss, and returned shortly after.
Dube later arrived with a woman identified as Sbahle, who joined them in the car. They then drove off and dropped Sbahle in town before heading to Number 15 Frank Johnson Avenue in Eastlea.
Once at the location, Dube entered the building while Charlie instructed Masendeke to follow him inside, claiming the meeting was about to begin.
Masendeke reportedly became alarmed upon entering the room and noticing a bed. As she turned to leave, she allegedly saw Charlie locking the door while Dube entered through another door, laughing.
According to the State, Masendeke’s attempts to cry for help were suppressed by Dube, who warned her not to anger Charlie and ordered her to undress.
Charlie allegedly pushed her onto the bed, undressed her, and Dube forced her to perform oral sex. The two men then reportedly took turns to rape her, forcing their victim to perform oral sex.
After the assault, Masendeke went to the bathroom, where Charlie allegedly raped her again. Dube also reportedly raped her for a second time.
The court further heard that the suspects arranged an InDrive ride for Masendeke to return home, after which she filed a police report.
The matter has been trending on social media after Masendeke publicly shared the alleged rape incident.
Online Reporter