HARARE – THABO Blessing Dube and Martin Charlie, who stand accused of raping socialite, Ashley Masendeke, popularly known as Mai Jeremiah, will now proceed to present their defence after their application for discharge at the close of the State’s case was dismissed.
The duo, through their defence team led by Mr Shepherd Makonde and Mr George Manokore, had filed an application for discharge, arguing that Mai Jeremaya’s testimony was riddled with inconsistencies, casting doubts on the credibility of her allegations.
The defence further submitted that one of the witnesses testified in court and said Masendeke had told her she had consented to sexual activity with both Dube and Charlie and therefore, the accused had no case to answer.
However, the court dismissed the application, citing that there is sufficient evidence warranting the two to be placed on their defence.
The defence team then went on to tender the videos of the alleged place where the rape allegedly occurred.
In an interview with the ZBC News this Friday, the defence team revealed that they are ready to proceed, with the second witness ready to testify on Monday.
Dube and Charlie stand accused of raping the socialite after allegedly luring her to a house in Eastlea, Harare
