Mai Jeremaya
| Mai Jeremaya | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Ashley Masendeke |
| Alma mater | Midlands State University |
| Occupation | Actress, Comedian |
| Known for | comedy |
| Children | 3 |
Mai Jeremaya, (real name Ashley Masendeke), is a Zimbabwean socialite, comedian, actress, and write. She's mostly known for her comedy skits on social media, with a signature statement "upenyu upenyu!". Before becoming a comedian, she was employed as a Human Resources professional.
In May 2025 she was the subject of significant public and media attention following allegations of rape. The case involved two men, Thabo Blessing Dube and Martin Charlie, who were accused of luring Masendeke to a purported business meeting in Harare on April 30th and subsequently raping her. The allegations and the subsequent legal proceedings sparked widespread discussion and polarized opinions across Zimbabwe, particularly on social media platforms.
Background
Mai Jeremaya's parents died when she was less than 10 years and she was raised by her grandmother. She has only one sibling, a sister. She studied Human Resources Managed at Midlands State University. After university, she worked in marketing for a bank. She also worked for a microfinance institution.
Before getting into comedy, she pursued music. Ashley began her acting journey in 2016, taking a break in 2018 to focus on her children before returning to her creative endeavors in 2021. Her return to creative work was facilitated by Shugeta, also known as DJ Shugeta.
Mai Jeremaya Picture Gallery
Rape Incident
The narrative surrounding the alleged incident began to emerge in early May 2025 when reports surfaced detailing the accusations made by Mai Jeremaya. According to these reports, Dube and Charlie allegedly used the guise of a business opportunity related to her social media advertising services to meet with her. Masendeke claimed that she was then subjected to rape by the two men at a lodge in Eastlea, Harare. This account was initially shared by Mai Jeremaya herself through a video posted on social media, waiving her right to anonymity and bringing the allegations into the public domain.
However, Dube and Charlie refuted these claims when they appeared before Harare magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa. Their defense asserted that the encounter with Mai Jeremaya was consensual, claiming they had agreed to pay her US$20 for sexual intercourse. They stated that after meeting at Joina City in Harare's central business district, they proceeded to a lodge in Eastlea where the alleged consensual act took place. The disagreement, according to the accused, arose when Mai Jeremaya allegedly demanded US$500 instead of the agreed-upon US$20. They further claimed that after their refusal to pay the increased amount, Mai Jeremaya enlisted a private investigator, Detective Kedha, to recover the money she felt she was owed. It was only after this attempt failed, according to the accused, that a rape report was filed. This starkly contrasting narrative laid the foundation for a contentious legal battle and a divided public reaction.
Legal Proceedings
The legal proceedings commenced with the appearance of Thabo Blessing Dube, 27, and Martin Charlie, 25, before magistrate Marewanazvo Gofa on Monday, May 6, 2025, where they were formally charged with rape. Magistrate Gofa presided over the initial hearing and was set to deliver a bail ruling shortly thereafter. Represented by lawyer Shepherd Kudzanayi Makonde, Dube and Charlie maintained their innocence, asserting the consensual nature of their interaction with Mai Jeremaya.
The subsequent bail hearing saw prosecutors initially not objecting to the release of the two men, citing a low risk of them absconding. This stance was based on the accused having fixed residential addresses and no known previous convictions or pending cases. However, Magistrate Gofa challenged the State's position, questioning why the duo was not also charged with aggravated indecent assault, given the allegations of forced oral sex. Despite the seriousness of the case and the magistrate's reservations, Dube and Charlie were ultimately granted bail of US$200 each on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. The case was then remanded to June 5, 2025, for routine remand. The granting of bail sparked considerable debate among the public, with many expressing concerns about the handling of the case.
Public and Media Reaction
The case ignited a significant response on social media platforms, with opinions often falling along sharply divided lines. A notable aspect of this reaction was the emergence and widespread use of the hashtag #JusticeForMaiJeremaya. This hashtag served as a rallying point for many users who voiced their support for Mai Jeremaya, demanding justice and condemning sexual assault. The prevalence of this hashtag underscores the public's strong engagement with the case and their desire to express solidarity with the alleged victim, highlighting the power of social media to amplify personal narratives and mobilize public sentiment around social issues.
Conversely, the public discourse also revealed concerns about victim blaming, a phenomenon where survivors of sexual violence face scrutiny and doubt when they speak out. Some social media users cautioned Mai Jeremaya against publicly discussing the case online, suggesting that her posts could potentially harm her legal position. In contrast to the widespread support, a segment of social media users expressed skepticism towards Mai Jeremaya's allegations, citing perceived inconsistencies or questioning her motivations.
The case also drew public support from prominent figures within the Zimbabwean social media landscape. King Solomon, a well-known social media personality, voiced his support for Mai Jeremaya and pledged to seek justice on her behalf. This public backing from influential figures can significantly amplify the message of solidarity and potentially sway public opinion, bringing greater attention to the case and the broader issues it brings to light. Similarly, [Mai Titi]], another prominent social media figure, also offered her support to Mai Jeremaya.
Personal Life
Mai Jeremaya is married and has 3 children, all boys.
She is married to JMP, a notable producer from Monotape Public Income.