Harare Regional Magistrate Letwin Rwodzi cleared two men of rape charges against social media star Ashley Masendeke. The judge found Thabo Blessing Dube and Martin Charlie not guilty after hearing all the evidence. Masendeke goes by the name Mai Jeremaya online and has many followers. The case went to court months ago and attracted lots of media coverage. People across Zimbabwe watched the trial closely.
The magistrate said the evidence showed Masendeke agreed to have sex for money. Her story had many holes and changed during the trial. The defense lawyers told a believable story that made sense. The prosecution could not prove the men committed rape. Rwodzi said convicting them would be wrong given the weak evidence.
The two defendants stuck to the same story throughout the court hearings. Masendeke gave different versions of what happened that night. Legal experts say the ruling shows judges must follow strict evidence rules. Even famous people cannot win cases without solid proof. The court system treated everyone equally regardless of celebrity status.
Neither side spoke to reporters after the verdict came out. The case sparked heated debates about consent and celebrity culture. Many citizens had strong opinions about the trial on social media. Some supported Masendeke and others believed the men were innocent. The ruling ends a controversial case that divided public opinion for months.
The magistrate said the evidence showed Masendeke agreed to have sex for money. Her story had many holes and changed during the trial. The defense lawyers told a believable story that made sense. The prosecution could not prove the men committed rape. Rwodzi said convicting them would be wrong given the weak evidence.
The two defendants stuck to the same story throughout the court hearings. Masendeke gave different versions of what happened that night. Legal experts say the ruling shows judges must follow strict evidence rules. Even famous people cannot win cases without solid proof. The court system treated everyone equally regardless of celebrity status.
Neither side spoke to reporters after the verdict came out. The case sparked heated debates about consent and celebrity culture. Many citizens had strong opinions about the trial on social media. Some supported Masendeke and others believed the men were innocent. The ruling ends a controversial case that divided public opinion for months.
