News / National
Women steal from congregants at Johane Masowe shrine
16 Mar 2013 at 08:09hrs | Views
Two Chitungwiza women who went to a Johane Masowe shrine on the pretext of seeking spiritual help and stole a cellphone and cash from congregants during a service have been convicted of theft.
Judith Munako (26) of 17833 in Unit K, who is pregnant, connived with Tafadzwa Chikumbu (28) to steal a Nokia C3 and US$60 belonging to Cecilia Mapivi. However, they ran out of luck when Mapivi's church mate, Rosemary Madzima saw them searching the bags.
Chikumbu on February 26, inquired from Munako if she knew any apostolic church close to Makoni where they could pounce on the unsuspecting worshippers.
She was informed that there were some who converged behind the magistrate courts' premises. At around 10.30am, they went to where the members of Johane Masowe sect were worshipping.
They deceived those in front asking if they could get be attended to first claiming that Munako was sick.
After getting help, they headed to where the bags were heaped, searched Mapivi's handbag and stole money and a cellphone.
Mapivi was informed by her fellow church mate Madzima of what had happened. When Mapivi realised her cash and cellphone had vanished, the two went after Munako and Chikumbu and apprehended them.
Chikumbu quickly dropped the cash and cellphone to the ground.
After that, they were whisked away to the police where Mapivi reported the offence leading to their subsequent arrest. The pair was ordered to perform 140 hours of community service at the court's premises after being convicted of theft. Chitungwiza magistrate Mr Lazarus Murendo sentenced them to eight years in prison but conditionally set aside four months for the next five years.
They were jointly charged with Shupikai Mukai (40) of Unit M in the same area who was acquitted after prosecutor Mr Edmond Ndambakuwa failed to prove a case against her.
Judith Munako (26) of 17833 in Unit K, who is pregnant, connived with Tafadzwa Chikumbu (28) to steal a Nokia C3 and US$60 belonging to Cecilia Mapivi. However, they ran out of luck when Mapivi's church mate, Rosemary Madzima saw them searching the bags.
Chikumbu on February 26, inquired from Munako if she knew any apostolic church close to Makoni where they could pounce on the unsuspecting worshippers.
She was informed that there were some who converged behind the magistrate courts' premises. At around 10.30am, they went to where the members of Johane Masowe sect were worshipping.
They deceived those in front asking if they could get be attended to first claiming that Munako was sick.
Mapivi was informed by her fellow church mate Madzima of what had happened. When Mapivi realised her cash and cellphone had vanished, the two went after Munako and Chikumbu and apprehended them.
Chikumbu quickly dropped the cash and cellphone to the ground.
After that, they were whisked away to the police where Mapivi reported the offence leading to their subsequent arrest. The pair was ordered to perform 140 hours of community service at the court's premises after being convicted of theft. Chitungwiza magistrate Mr Lazarus Murendo sentenced them to eight years in prison but conditionally set aside four months for the next five years.
They were jointly charged with Shupikai Mukai (40) of Unit M in the same area who was acquitted after prosecutor Mr Edmond Ndambakuwa failed to prove a case against her.
Source - TH
