News / Local
Church 'robber' pleads poverty
28 Oct 2015 at 01:43hrs | Views
A Bulawayo man who allegedly broke into a church and stole offerings amounting to $310 and property worth $430 told a court he needed the money to feed his family.
John Mangema, 31, admitted he broke into Holy Trinity church in Cowdray Park, when he appeared before magistrate Sibongile Msipha-Marondedze. The magistrate remanded him in custody to tomorrow for sentencing.
"I broke into the church and stole money and cell phones because I'm trying to feed my wife and six-month-old child," said Mangema in his defence. Prosecuting Maria John said on July 22, Mangema forcibly opened the church's doors using an unknown object.
John told the court that Mangema stole two Samsung cellphones, a Blackberry cellphone, a video camera and $310. Pastor Gilbert Moyo reported the matter to the police and investigations were carried out which led to Mangema's arrest, the court heard.
"Only $140 worth of property was recovered," said John.
John Mangema, 31, admitted he broke into Holy Trinity church in Cowdray Park, when he appeared before magistrate Sibongile Msipha-Marondedze. The magistrate remanded him in custody to tomorrow for sentencing.
"I broke into the church and stole money and cell phones because I'm trying to feed my wife and six-month-old child," said Mangema in his defence. Prosecuting Maria John said on July 22, Mangema forcibly opened the church's doors using an unknown object.
John told the court that Mangema stole two Samsung cellphones, a Blackberry cellphone, a video camera and $310. Pastor Gilbert Moyo reported the matter to the police and investigations were carried out which led to Mangema's arrest, the court heard.
"Only $140 worth of property was recovered," said John.
Source - chronicle
