Congregant arrested for stealing church funds

Tsenulo Moyo
IN a world rife with criminals and crimes happening everywhere, the church is considered the least likely place where crimes take place because of its sacredness.

The congregants are especially the least suspected of being criminals because of the teachings they receive in the church and considering the Bible condemns each and every criminal activity.

However, a 24-year-old woman who is a member of the Bethel Church in Cowdray Park suburb in Bulawayo was arrested for stealing US$118 and R431 from the church’s coffers.

For the offence, Bridget Chiedza (24) appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Learnear Khumalo charged with theft of trust property. She pleaded guilty to the offence.

Chiedza was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment of which three months were suspended on condition that she does not commit a similar offence within the period of five years.

A further six months were suspended on condition that she performs 210 hours of community service at Cowdray Park health services.

Three months were also suspended on condition that the accused restitutes the church the stolen money on or before 15 November 2024.

In mitigation, she pleaded with the court to spare her a jail sentence, saying that she committed the offence to get money for her sick mother’s treatment.

“My mother was sick in the rural areas, and I needed money for her treatment. That’s why I committed the offence. It was a mistake, and I wish to be given the chance to pay back the money,” she said.

The court heard that on 4 August 2024, at around 1200 hours after a church service, Chiedza was handed over US$118 and R431 by the church secretary Prisca Moyo after a directive order was given by the pastor who is also the complainant.

When the money was demanded back by the church for accountability the accused person is said to have run away to an unknown destination.

Chiedza is said to have been no longer reachable on her cellphone and blocked all her church members. The value of stolen property is US$118 and R431 and nothing was recovered. The matter was reported to the police and investigations led to Chiedza’s arrest.