Duped pastor withdraws case after exposure threats

Senior Court Reporter
A Revival International Ministries pastor has been “forced” to withdraw theft charges involving $20 000 against the church’s general hand after threats by the church worker to expose his shenanigans in court.

This was after Anesu Tarumbwa (21) accused Pastor Raymond Mujeyi of causing his arrest to cover up for his mischief.

Tarumbwa is employed at Revival International Ministries where he allegedly stole $20 650 and a laptop and used part of the loot to buy a television set.

He appeared in court last week on Monday before magistrate Mr Tendai Mahwe who granted him $100 bail.

During his bail application, Tarumbwa claimed that Pastor Mujeyi caused his arrest in a bid to silence him.

“I know all the complainant’s secrets,” he said.

“So, he is afraid I might spill the beans that is why I am being persecuted.”

When the matter returned to court on Friday last week, Pastor Mujeyi said he was withdrawing the charges against Tarumbwa.

In an affidavit he filed at the court, Pastor Mujeyi said as a pastor he had forgiven Tarumbwa and welcomed him back in the church.

Part of the affidavit read, “I am the complainant in the case involving $20 000 in which Anesu Tarumbwa is the accused. I hereby withdraw charges against him because the accused plays the keyboard in the church and his sister sings in the praise and worship team, while their mother is the Sunday school teacher.

“As a man of God and a father in the house of the Lord, and with consultation of the leadership, I see it proper to forgive him and help him to reform.”

Mr Mahwe then set Tarumbwa free before plea.

It was the State’s case that on December 10 last year, Pastor Mujeyi withdrew $22 000 from his bank account which he placed in a safe in one of the church offices.

It is alleged the money was meant for the purchase of a church stand.

During the period between May to June this year, Tarumbwa was working as a general hand at the church and was responsible for locking the church doors.

He reportedly took advantage of his duties and opened the safe and stole $20 650 and a laptop.

According to the State, Tarumbwa led the police to the recovery of only $800.