Church secretary blows 45k

Tendai Gukutikwa
THE eighth commandment says, thou shall not steal, but a secretary allegedly forged a signature to steal $45 000 from Elim Pentecostal Church.

Melody Mahere (24) denied defrauding Elim Pentecostal Church of $45 000 when she appeared before Mr Langton Mukwengi last week.

Mutare lawyer, Mr Farai Matinhure of Gonese and Ndlovu Legal Practitioners appeared for Mahere, while Ms Catherine Mwenga prosecuted.

Allegations were that Mahere filled withdrawal slips and forged Mr Nhamo Godwin Buwerimwe’s signature and successfully withdrew $45 000 from the church’s BancABC account. She allegedly converted it to her own use.

“The offence came to light after Mahere was sent to withdraw $26 000, but only came back with $8 000. When she was questioned, Mahere became inconsistent resulting in Buwerimwe approaching the bank. He was shown the forged slips and the account balance which had been reduced to $2 894,” said Ms Mwenga.

Mr Matinhure managed to convince the court that his client was not a flight risk if released on bail.

The State had opposed bail on the grounds that she was likely to abscond since she was facing a serious offence which attracted a lengthy jail sentence.

“Your Worship, the accused person has a fixed address and if the court allows it she will surrender her passport and report to the Mutare CID offices once every Friday.

“Regardless of the seriousness of the offence she still has her right of freedom since she is denying the charges,” said Mr Matinhure.

Mahere was ordered to surrender her passport and to report at Mutare CID offices once every fortnight.

The case goes for trial on November 16.