admin000, before sentencing him to an effective three-year jail term.
Mr Kudakwashe Jarabini said Royce Archibald Kasumba’s behaviour brought the name of God into disrepute. Mr Jarabani at one time heard the case in camera before opening the gallery for sentencing.
Kasumba (30) of Mayambara Village, Seke, misrepresented to Given’s parents that “the Holy Spirit” had revealed to him the boy’s whereabouts. He asked for US$2 000 and went on a spending spree.
The three-year-old Given went missing during this year’s Harare Agricultural Show in August.
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Mr Jarabini sentenced Kasumba to four years before suspending six months on condition he does not commit a similar offence within that period.
A further six months were suspended on condition Kasumba restitutes US$1 400 to the couple on or before December 31.
Only US$200 cash and a laptop worth US$350 bought by Kasumba using the US$2 000 were recovered.
Mr Jarabini said Kasumba’s behaviour warranted a custodial sentence considering that he was a pastor.
“The accused committed a very serious offence and this warrants a deterrent sentence,” he said.
“He took advantage of the situation that the parents were so desperate to be reunited with their child and could do anything to get him back.
“The nation at large is praying for the safe return of the child, while accused is busy planning how to swindle the complainants. His conduct is clear indication that he is not remorseful.”
Mr Jarabini said that Kasumba’s moral blameworthiness was very high and his behaviour was unacceptable.
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