Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka
Court Correspondent
TWO men, Thabo Blessing Dube and Martin Charlie, accused of gang raping socialite Ashley Masendeke, known as “Mai Jeremaya”, have been granted US$200 bail each.
The decision was made by Harare regional magistrate Mrs Marehwanazvo Gofa, who noted that the State did not consider the accused a flight risk.
As investigations continue, the suspects are scheduled to return to court on June 5.
The prosecution, led by Mr Rufaro Chonzi, indicated that it did not oppose the bail application, as the defence’s claims were deemed plausible.
Dube denies the rape charge entirely, while Charlie asserts that their encounter with Masendeke was consensual and involved an agreed payment of US$20.
However, it is alleged that Masendeke later demanded an increased amount of US$500, which the accused refused to pay.
Events leading to the alleged assault began on April 9, when Dube contacted Masendeke for a business meeting that never occurred.
On April 30, Masendeke received a WhatsApp message from Charlie, who arranged to meet her at Megawatt Building on Samora Machel Avenue in Harare.
Charlie drove her to a location at Number 11, Zororo Duri Avenue in Eastlea, claiming it was for a business discussion.
Upon arrival, Charlie allegedly entered a building, stating he was meeting his boss.
Shortly after, Dube arrived with a woman named Sbahle, who joined them in the vehicle. The group then drove into town, where Sbahle exited before heading to another property at Number 15, Zororo Duri Avenue.
Once inside, Charlie instructed Masendeke to follow him, claiming the meeting was starting. Alarmed by the sight of a bed, Masendeke attempted to leave, but Charlie locked the door while Dube entered through another entrance, laughing.
The State alleges that Dube restrained Masendeke, warning her not to provoke Charlie, before taking turns to rape her.
After the ordeal, the suspects arranged an InDrive ride for Masendeke to return home, at which point she filed a police report, leading to their arrest.
