One of the two men on trial for the alleged gang rape of social media figure Mai Jeremaya has told the court that their s@xual encounter was consensual and even claimed she praised him during the act.
Martin Charlie, testifying in his own defence, alleged that Mai Jeremaya willingly agreed to engage in sexual activity with him at a lodge in Harare on April 30, charging US$20 per hour. He further told the court that she compared his performance favourably to her husband’s.
Charlie said he had picked her up in the company of the co-accused, Thabo Blessing Dube, before heading to Joina City. After buying food, he returned to the vehicle and was informed by Dube that Mai Jeremaya was offering s@xual services, something she allegedly confirmed herself.
“He said she charged US$20 per hour,” Charlie testified, adding that she proposed they go to a lodge for the encounter.
He identified the lodge as Paradise Lodge on Frank Johnson Avenue. When asked to respond to the complainant’s version that they were heading for a professional shoot, Charlie denied it, insisting their destination was agreed to in advance.
Charlie also refuted claims of intimidation, saying the three were “laughing and playing music” during the journey.
Regarding the events at the lodge, Charlie said Mai Jeremaya requested her payment up front, undressed herself, and initiated the encounter. He described the events in detail and claimed she even asked him during the act if he was enjoying it.
“She removed the condom afterward and thanked me, saying I was better than her husband,” Charlie alleged. He added that she later demanded more money, up to US$500, claiming she had gone beyond the agreed time. When he refused, she accepted the situation, and they later left the lodge.
“She never screamed or showed any signs of distress,” he said, implying that the environment would have allowed her to seek help if necessary.
Charlie suggested the rape allegations may have been motivated by her desire to protect her marriage, particularly after her husband found out about the incident.
He also claimed that Mai Jeremaya contacted him days later, accompanied by someone who questioned why he had paid so little for the encounter.
During cross-examination, prosecutor Cecilia Mashingaidze challenged Charlie’s version, accusing him of fabricating the story and pointing out inconsistencies, especially regarding the alleged “extras” that supposedly justified higher payment demands.
Judgement in the case is expected on Friday.
