Mai Jeremaya Speaks Out After Acquittal of Accused in Rape Case

Harare, Zimbabwe – Prominent social media personality Ashley Masendeke, widely known as Mai Jeremaya, has publicly addressed the outcome of her highly publicized rape case for the first time. Speaking after the acquittal of the two men she accused, Mai Jeremaya expressed profound gratitude for the overwhelming support she received and firmly stood by her personal truth, despite the court’s recent ruling.

Mai Jeremaya had alleged that Thabo Blessing Dube and Martin Charlie gang-raped her at a Harare lodge in late April 2025. However, in a judgment delivered on Friday, July 4, 2025, Harare magistrate Letwin Rwodzi determined that the State’s case lacked sufficient evidence to secure a conviction, leading to the acquittal of both men.

In a statement posted on her Facebook page the same day, Mai Jeremaya acknowledged the conclusion of the legal proceedings, which saw the court rule in favor of the accused due to a lack of evidence beyond a reasonable doubt.

She wrote: “Today marks the end of the court procedures. The court ruled and acquitted the two men I had accused of raping me. They are free.”

Mai Jeremaya extended her heartfelt thanks to all Zimbabweans who stood by her throughout the ordeal, noting that their support helped her overcome the initial shame she felt when she first went public with the allegations. “I am no longer as ashamed as I was when I first broke out the story because you stood with me. I feel relieved because I managed to pursue this case to the end,” she shared.

While recognizing the court’s thoroughness, she underscored that the legal outcome does not diminish her personal experience. “It was always going to be their word against mine—and that is what I am left with: my truth,” she affirmed.

Mai Jeremaya also disclosed that she had initially considered keeping the matter private due to its sensitive nature. Ultimately, she chose to speak out, hoping her story might offer guidance to others facing similar trauma. “I refused to stay silent out of fear of being shamed. Only God knows everything. Thank you for standing with me. I trust that the Almighty will grant you the desires of your hearts,” she conveyed.

The case, which garnered significant attention owing to Mai Jeremaya’s public profile, has ignited a national debate, particularly concerning allegations of rape sometimes being misused in personal, professional, or social disputes.

“I’m simply grateful that my voice was heard in a court of law, and I hope my case can stand as an example of what to do—or what not to do—when faced with a similar ordeal,” Mai Jeremaya concluded.