Online Reporter
Yeukai Karengezeka
Court Correspondent
TWO suspects accused of gang-raping socialite Ashley Masendeke, popularly known as “Mai Jeremeya”, were yesterday remanded in custody by Harare regional magistrate Mrs Marehwanazvo Gofa.
Ms Masendeke has been active on social media under her name outlining the alleged assaults as she stands up publicly to denounce her alleged attackers. Thabo Blessing Dube and Martin Charlie will return to court tomorrow for a ruling for their bail application.
According to prosecutor Mr Rufaro Chonzi, on April 9, Dube contacted Ms Masendeke, inviting her to a business meeting, which failed to take place.
Last Wednesday, Ms 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 11 Zororo Duri Avenue in Eastlea, Harare, for the purported 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 15 Zororo Duri Avenue where Dube entered the building.
Charlie then instructed Ms Masendeke to follow him inside, claiming the meeting was about to begin.
Ms 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, Ms Masendeke’s attempts to cry for help were suppressed by Dube, who warned her not to anger Charlie. The two men then reportedly took turns to rape her, forcing her to perform oral sex. After the assault, Ms 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 Ms Masendeke to return home, after which she filed a police report.
