“We Refused to Pay, Then the R@p€ Report Was Filed” – Accused Claim Extortion Plot
HARARE – Two men accused of r@ping social media personality Mai Jeremaya appeared before Harare regional magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa yesterday, where the court raised concerns over the charges and the decision to grant them bail.
The suspects, Thabo Blessing Dube and Martin Charlie, maintain their innocence, arguing that the allegations stem from a failed financial arrangement rather than a criminal act.
They insist the complainant was aware she was at a lodge for sexu@l activity.
Their defense alleges that private investigator Tafadzwa “Detective Kedha” Chidawa was dispatched as part of an extortion scheme.
According to court documents, Chidawa tracked down the suspects and took them to Mayambara in Seke, allegedly pressuring them to pay money.
The accused claim that after refusing to pay, a r@p€ complaint was filed against them.
In submissions, the State justified its consent to bail, arguing that there were no compelling reasons to warrant pre-trial detention.
However, Magistrate Gofa rejected this stance, questioning why the suspects had not also been charged with aggravated indecent assault, given allegations that they forced the complainant to perform s€xu@l acts.
Prosecutors acknowledged the court’s concerns, stating that aggravated indecent assault charges could have been added.
However, they argued that since the alleged assault and rape occurred as part of the same incident, separate charges might be unnecessary.
As reported by The Herald, the State emphasized that the same evidence would be used to prove both r@p€and indecent assault, suggesting that separating the charges could be redundant.
Prosecutors also assured the court that the accused pose no flight risk, citing their fixed residences, lack of prior criminal records and willingness to comply with legal procedures.
To further ensure their availability for trial, the State proposed that the suspects surrender their passports.
The case remains under judicial scrutiny, with further deliberations expected as the court assesses the allegations and possible adjustments to the charges.
