A key witness gave unexpected testimony Tuesday during the rape trial of socialite Ashley Masendeke. Cythina Duringo testified that her friend Masendeke admitted having consensual relations with one of the accused men. Duringo said Masendeke told her the defendants Thabo Blessing Dube and Martin Charlie brought her to a Harare lodge under false pretenses. The men claimed they would introduce her to their superior at the facility. Masendeke reportedly saw a weapon and decided to cooperate to avoid harm.
According to Duringo's account, Masendeke felt more at ease with the lighter-skinned defendant because he treated her kindly. She allegedly chose to remain with him voluntarily after realizing the true nature of the meeting. The encounter lasted longer than expected and made Masendeke uncomfortable as another person repeatedly entered the room. Masendeke received ten dollars after the incident ended and used the money for transportation home. Defense attorneys Shepherd Makonde and George Manokore challenged Duringo about contradictions between her testimony and earlier court statements.
The lawyers questioned Duringo about claims she performed an exorcism ritual on Masendeke using tobacco snuff. Duringo denied the allegation and accused Masendeke of lying about the incident. She admitted revealing the alleged assault to Masendeke's husband despite promises to maintain secrecy. Prosecutor Cecilia Mashingaidze concluded the state's presentation of evidence after Duringo finished testifying. The defense will present its case as the trial continues.
According to Duringo's account, Masendeke felt more at ease with the lighter-skinned defendant because he treated her kindly. She allegedly chose to remain with him voluntarily after realizing the true nature of the meeting. The encounter lasted longer than expected and made Masendeke uncomfortable as another person repeatedly entered the room. Masendeke received ten dollars after the incident ended and used the money for transportation home. Defense attorneys Shepherd Makonde and George Manokore challenged Duringo about contradictions between her testimony and earlier court statements.
The lawyers questioned Duringo about claims she performed an exorcism ritual on Masendeke using tobacco snuff. Duringo denied the allegation and accused Masendeke of lying about the incident. She admitted revealing the alleged assault to Masendeke's husband despite promises to maintain secrecy. Prosecutor Cecilia Mashingaidze concluded the state's presentation of evidence after Duringo finished testifying. The defense will present its case as the trial continues.
