Tinotenda Hove – In a dramatic turn in the ongoing rape trial involving popular social media figure Ashley “Mai Jeremaya” Masendeke, the final prosecution witness made shocking claims in court on Tuesday, suggesting the alleged victim may have consented to one of the sexual encounters in question.

Taking the stand at the Harare Magistrates’ Court, Ms Cythina Duringo — a close friend of Mai Jeremaya — told the court that Masendeke privately confided in her, stating that she had agreed to have sex with one of the accused men because “he was talking to her nicely.”

“She told me the two men were taking her to see their boss, and when they arrived at the lodge, they spent time at the reception chatting and watching her skits,” said Duringo. “She later said she was led into a room with two doors. One man followed her in, while the other entered through the other door. That’s when she realised it wasn’t a business meeting.”

According to Ms Duringo, Masendeke allegedly played along because she feared for her safety after spotting a firearm. “She told me she saw a gun and decided not to resist, so they wouldn’t hurt her.”

What shocked the court further was the witness’s claim that Mai Jeremaya felt more comfortable with one of the men, described as “light in complexion.”

“She said she stayed with him in the room and agreed to be intimate with him. The encounter was long, and she said she didn’t enjoy it. Someone kept entering and leaving the room, making her uncomfortable,” said Ms Duringo. “Afterwards, she told me she was given US$10, which she used to get home.”

Defense lawyers Shepherd Makonde and George Manokore pounced on the testimony, highlighting contradictions between Duringo’s account and the version Mai Jeremaya gave in court.

Makonde questioned the witness on why Mai Jeremaya left her home after the alleged incident, to which she responded: “She had just come for a sleepover.”

The defense also tackled claims that Duringo tried to “exorcise” Mai Jeremaya using snuff. “She told the court you tried to perform some ritual on her — is that true?” asked Makonde.

“That’s not true. She lied about that part,” replied Duringo.

She also admitted to breaching a confidence by informing Mai Jeremaya’s husband about the alleged rape, despite being asked to keep it secret. “Yes, I was the one who told her husband. If I hadn’t said anything, he wouldn’t have known.”

With Ms Duringo’s testimony concluded, prosecutor Cecilia Mashingaidze officially closed the State’s case.

Mai Jeremaya has accused Thabo Blessing Dube and Martin Charlie of taking turns to rape her at a Harare lodge. The defense is expected to argue that the inconsistencies in the complainant’s narrative raise serious doubts about the credibility of the accusations.