HARARE – Social media influencer Mai Jeremaya has said she is not disappointed but is instead pleased that her case will serve as a guideline on what not to do after the two men accused of raping her were acquitted at the Harare Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
In her ruling, Magistrate Letwin Rwodzi found that the State’s case lacked sufficient evidence to warrant a conviction against Thabo Blessing Dube and Martin Charlie.
The two were cleared of all charges after the court determined the allegations were not supported by credible or compelling proof.
In a statement on social media after the ruling, Mai Jeremaya, real name Ashley Masendeke, thanked her followers for supporting her through what was highly publicised trial.
“I would like to inform each and everyone who had been following my case from the beginning. 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.
“I would like to thank you for all your moral support and prayers during this difficult time. I am no longer as ashamed as i was when i first broke out the story nekuti makamira neni.”
Mai Jeremaya said while the verdict was not one she wanted or expected, she was not entirely disappointed as she was happy she had pursued the case until the end.
“I feel relieved because i managed to pursue this case to the end. I am not disappointed in the verdict either because they were thorough in trying to find evidence beyond reasonable doubt.
“It was always going to be their word against mine and that is what i am left with, “My truth”. I am simply grateful that my voice was heard in the courts of law and that my case will serve as an example of what to do or what not to do kana uchinge wasangana nedambudziko rakadaro,” she wrote.
Mai Jeremaya said although she had wanted to conceal the ordeal at the onset, she was happy she had gone through with it at the end.
“I had every intention of concealing this matter because of the intrinsic details that would not add up. I spent the last two months wondering what i could have done differently asi nguva yekudaro panga pasisina kondaida kuti zviitirwe ani.
“Ndati handinganyarare kukuudzai nekutya kusvororodzwa. Ndipo pandave ne life guys, makaita henyu. Mwari ndiye ega anoziva zvese. Ndinokutendai nekunyadziswa pamwechete neni ndinovimba Ishe samasimba ose achakupai zvishuwo zvemoyo yenyu. Hupenyu hupenyu,” she wrote.
