Munyaradzi Mashiri – Court Correspondent
Two men accused of raping popular socialite Ashley Masendeke, widely known on social media as “Mai Jeremeya,” have appeared in court facing serious sexual assault charges.
Thabo Blessing Dube and Martin Charlie were arraigned before Harare magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa and are expected to return to court tomorrow for their bail hearing.
According to State prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi, the incident traces back to April 9, 2025, when Dube allegedly contacted Masendeke under the pretext of inviting her to a business meeting. The meeting, however, did not take place on the scheduled day.
On April 30, 2025, Charlie allegedly sent Masendeke a WhatsApp message and arranged to meet her at Megawatt, along Samora Machel Avenue in Harare. From there, Charlie drove her to a property at Number 11, Frank Johnson Avenue in Eastlea, citing a meeting with his boss.
Shortly after arriving, Dube appeared at the location accompanied by a woman identified as Sbahle. The four then drove into town, where Sbahle disembarked. The group proceeded to a second property at Number 15, Frank Johnson Avenue, also in Eastlea.
The court heard that Charlie instructed Masendeke to enter the house for the supposed meeting. Once inside, Masendeke reportedly grew uneasy upon seeing a bed in the room. When she attempted to leave, she allegedly found the door locked behind her.
The State alleges that Dube entered through another door, laughing, while Charlie blocked Masendeke’s attempts to cry for help. Dube is said to have warned her not to upset Charlie and instructed her to undress. Charlie then allegedly forced her onto the bed, undressed her, and Dube compelled her to perform oral sex.
The two men are accused of taking turns raping her, including forcing themselves on her orally. After the initial assault, Masendeke went to the bathroom, where Charlie allegedly raped her again. Dube also reportedly raped her for a second time.
The suspects are said to have booked an inDrive vehicle to take Masendeke home. She later filed a police report.
The case has garnered widespread attention online, with Masendeke publicly disclosing the alleged incident on social media.
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