HARARE – A chilling case has emerged in Zimbabwe, with two men arrested in connection with the rape of a well-known Zimbabwean socialite and comedian, Maiguru Mai Jeremaya. The investigation has since uncovered allegations involving potentially over 100 victims.
Thabo Blessing Dube, 27, and Martin Charli were apprehended by Matrix Private Investigations after allegedly luring Maiguru Mai Jeremaya under the guise of being clients responding to her social media adverts on April 30th.
Matrix Private Investigations exposed Dube, whom many are now calling "Zimbabwe's Thabo Bester," in reference to the infamous South African criminal.
"I was hunted like an animal"
In a harrowing Facebook post, Mai Jeremaya detailed the ordeal, explaining how the pair had stalked her for weeks.
"I am shaking as I write this. I have to. They have ruined my life. My life, my whole livelihood, has been broken. These two men have been hunting and chasing me for over three weeks pretending to be clients," she wrote.
She further explained how the men initially contacted her claiming to be from Elite Driving School, requesting an advert. Her husband, who also acts as her manager, accompanied her to the initial meeting, but the men never showed up.
"So on this fateful day, on 30 April, they managed to convince me that they were a company that is into trucks spares," she revealed.
Following the assault, she received medical treatment and reported the matter to Waterfalls Police Station. A court date has been scheduled for next week.
Mai Jeremaya is urging any other women who may have been victimised by these men to come forward.
"If you were also a victim like me, please come forward. She continued that their phone book has more than 50 contacts they did this to".
She also pleaded, "Please open up even anonymously. This animal should never see the light, come what may," in another post, expressing her desire for justice.
She revealed the extent of the intimidation she experienced, stating, "They said they work for high offices, pulled out my birth records and claimed to have a gun. I am still scared."
Mai Jeremaya expressed gratitude to her husband, manager, and the investigative team, declaring, "I will not die but live to proclaim the glory of God."
Phone Number Link
According to Matrix Private Detectives, the phone number used to contact Mai Jeremaya had a profile picture of a wealthy South African man and a car with the number plate "Sam 1."
"This team uses a phone number with a South African wealthy man on the display picture and a car with the plates indicated 'Sam 1'. We have revealed some shocking details," Matrix wrote on Facebook.
Zimbabwe's Baltasar?
The case has taken a disturbing turn with the emergence of images showing Thabo Dube posing with numerous women. This has led to comparisons with Baltasar Ebang Engonga Avomo, the notorious Equatorial Guinean politician known for his alleged relationships with hundreds of women.
As one Facebook user commented, "These boys have been 'eating' people's women. I think they have surpassed Baltasar from Guinea. The list is too big."
Confirmation of Arrest and Growing Number of Victims
Social media erupted after Tafadzwa Chidawa, private detective and founder of Matrix Investigations, confirmed the arrest on Facebook. He revealed that many more women were now coming forward.
"We can confirm that Matrix Private Detectives have arrested Thabo Blessing Dube and Martin Charli for gang raping a female celebrity after pretending to be clients. The two are currently detained at Waterfalls Police," he stated.
Chidawa also revealed that the suspects' phones contained contact details of over 50 women. However, new reports suggest this number may now exceed 100.
"Yesterday we thought it was just a few victims, but more than 100 girls and women have been trapped by these guys," Chidawa added.
"He wore a Zanu PF jersey"
Several survivors have identified Dube as the man who lured them using online platforms like Facebook Marketplace.
"Some women were told 'the boss isn't around' and then taken advantage of. Others were given just $10 before being dismissed," read one post.
Adding another layer of complexity to the case, "Thabho was even seen wearing a Zanu PF jersey in some encounters."
Community Support and Calls for Justice
Following Mai Jeremaya's public disclosure, many Zimbabweans have offered their support and called for justice. The outpouring of support highlights the deep concern within the community regarding these allegations.
Another Facebook user wrote, "Justice For Mai Jeremaya .A relative of mine was done this by some guys. She's only 18 years old and she's narrated her ordeal after Mai Jeremaya's case went public…it happened last year when she was only 17 and at that time she was working as a helper in one of those guys' house and she was afraid expose him." This statement underscores the potential for numerous unreported cases and the fear that prevents victims from coming forward.
@Mai VeBoys wrote, “Hugs, sis….so much courage you have shown for coming forward publicly to denounce such characters in our society. With God’s grace, may your husband be your pillar through this difficult phase.”
@Tariro Gezi commented, “May God Heal you; I’m sorry you went through all that. “
@Queen Kadjah added, “I’m so sorry this happened to you, Ashy, please be strong during this challenging time.”
Court Appearance and Remand
The alleged rapists appeared in court on Monday, May 5th, and were remanded in custody to Wednesday. They were not asked to plead.
Hotline and Ongoing Investigations
Matrix Security has published hotline numbers for victims or witnesses to contact.
Police investigations are ongoing. The public are urged to contact Waterfalls Police Station or Matrix Security with any information that may assist with the case.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as they become available.
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