Blessing Thabo Dube and Martin Charlie, aged 27 and 25 respectively, who are accused in a rape case, claim the encounter with Mai Jeremaya was consensual and involved an agreement for sex in exchange for US$20 at a lodge in Eastlea.
The accused allege the dispute arose when she later demanded US$500 instead of the agreed-upon amount. They state they met Mai Jeremaya at Joina City and agreed to the US$20 fee.
According to the accused, after the sexual act, Mai Jeremaya took the US$20 offered, showered, and was even escorted to a taxi by them. The men’s defense posits that the rape report was filed only after they refused the increased payment.
They further claim a private investigator was sent to demand money before the charges were brought.
The involvement of a private investigator and Mai Jeremaya’s extensive social media activity are noted as factors complicating the case and police investigation. It is unclear why Mai Jeremaya initially approached a private investigator, Detective Kesha Chidawa, rather than the police.
