Bogus prophet steals from client

Fungai Lupande Court Reporter
A 38-YEAR-OLD Telecel Zimbabwe employee nearly lost US$600 he had taken to a self-styled teenage prophet for anointing after being ordered to close his eyes and pray.
Tineyi Gwaze (19), of Nzvimbo Village in Chief Makumbula Chiweshe, pleaded guilty to theft charges.
Harare magistrate, Ms Nomsa Sabarauta, sentenced Gwaze to 12 months in jail before setting aside six months for five years on condition of good behaviour.

He will serve six months effective. In passing sentence, Ms Sabarauta said she was setting precedence on Gwaze by giving him a custodial sentence.
The complainant in the matter was Charles Fungulani (38), of Runhanga Village, Chief Chinhamhora and employed by Telecel Zimbabwe.

Prosecutor Mr Shambadzeni Fungura told the court that on August 31 this year, Fungulani approached Gwaze while he was conducting prayers at his shrine.
After some exorcism, Gwaze told Fungulani that more prayers were needed at his homestead.

Gwaze took the money and tied it in a blue cloth and ordered Fungulani to kneel, close his eyes and pray. While Fungulani was praying Gwaze untied the blue cloth and stole US$600 before hiding it in his garment. After prayers Gwaze handed over the blue cloth and ordered Fungulani not to open the cloth.

Furthermore, Fungulani was instructed to sleep with the blue cloth under the pillow and open it the following day.
The pair parted ways and on his way home Fungulani untied the cloth and discovered that US$600 was missing. Fungulani reported the matter to the police who in turn arrested Gwaze.