The property located at 15 Frank Johnson Avenue in Eastlea, Harare, has come under intense public scrutiny following disturbing allegations that it was the scene of a violent sexual assault involving social media personality Mai Jeremaya.
The house, operating under the name Paradise Guest Lodge, stands in stark contrast to the horrific events that allegedly unfolded there. In a widely circulated social media video, Mai Jeremaya bravely waived her right to anonymity—typically extended to survivors of sexual violence—to recount her traumatic experience. She alleges that she was lured to the lodge and raped by two men.
The accused, Thabo Blessing Dube (27) and Martin Charlie (25), were arrested and appeared in a Harare court this week. They were granted bail, with the State not opposing their release.
When H-Metro visited the lodge, the property appeared quiet. The electric gate opened automatically upon sensing the crew’s presence. Staff confirmed that it operates as a guest house and provided details on its room rates.
Mai Jeremaya was at Harare’s Premier Destination
According to the lodge’s Facebook page, Paradise Guest Lodge markets itself as “Harare’s premier destination for intimate, private escapes, designed with discretion and comfort in mind.” Amenities advertised include unlimited WiFi, hot showers, luxurious beds, and secure parking.
Room rates raise eyebrows for their affordability. Daytime stays between 9am and 5:30pm cost US$20, while overnight stays range between US$25 and US$30, starting from 4pm. For short stays, a two-hour session is priced at US$10—a fee structure often associated with venues used for discreet or transactional encounters.
When asked about pricing, the receptionist told the crew:
“Our charges vary with the time you want to take with your loved one. We charge US$10 for two hours, US$20 for the whole day, and US$25 for a night that starts from 4pm.”
The implication was clear: Paradise Guest Lodge serves not only conventional guests but also couples seeking short-term privacy, including those engaging in sex work.
As the H-Metro team left the premises, they observed a man driving a kombi who had just exited the lodge. He dropped off a woman along Josiah Chinamano Avenue, further reinforcing the perception that the lodge may be a hotspot for illicit activity.
The alleged rape of Mai Jeremaya has sparked outrage across Zimbabwean social media, with many calling for thorough investigations—not only into the actions of the suspects but also the operations of lodges that may enable such crimes.
The two men accused of raping social media personality Mai Jeremaya were granted bail yesterday after a magistrate ruled that their defence appeared credible and that they were unlikely to evade trial.
Source – HMetro
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