News / National
Pastor was overwhelmed by the desires of the flesh
26 Jun 2011 at 13:33hrs | Views
A HARARE family is up in arms against a Faith World Ministries Pastor who allegedly stole a cellphone during birthday celebrations he had been invited to. It seems Cladius Runesu, 25, was overwhelmed by the desires of the flesh and he allegedly developed sticky fingers and stole the sleek gadget.
Cladius, of Epworth, is alleged to have stolen the cell phone which belonged to one Elvis Mukanda's sister, who was having a birthday party. The court heard that the 'good pastor' had been invited to be part of the festivities but it seems the man of the cloth was not only tempted to touch but also to pocket.
As a result of the alleged theft, Cladius was arrested and arraigned to the Harare magistrate's court where he pleaded not guilty to the charge. In his defence, the pastor said that he indeed asked to look at the US$130 Nokia Bluetooth cellphone, but said that he only wanted to see its functions. "I asked to see its functions and after that I placed it on the table because the owner was talking to some people," he said.
He denied making away with the cell phone.
State, led by prosecutor Sikhangele Mahlamvana, alleges that it was on February 2 in the evening and everyone was enjoying the church service for the birthday party. It is the State's case that Cladius borrowed the cellphone, on the pretext that he wanted to have a look at it. When the man of the cloth noticed that the owner was distracted he allegedly slipped away with the gadget unnoticed.
The owner tried to locate him but after searching the premises they realised that he had left the party without so much as a goodbye to anyone. Festivities were dampened as they had to lodge a police complaint against the pastor. The trial continues on July 1 after the pastor indicated that he has some witnesses who can testify on his behalf and meanwhile he will be out of custod.
Cladius, of Epworth, is alleged to have stolen the cell phone which belonged to one Elvis Mukanda's sister, who was having a birthday party. The court heard that the 'good pastor' had been invited to be part of the festivities but it seems the man of the cloth was not only tempted to touch but also to pocket.
As a result of the alleged theft, Cladius was arrested and arraigned to the Harare magistrate's court where he pleaded not guilty to the charge. In his defence, the pastor said that he indeed asked to look at the US$130 Nokia Bluetooth cellphone, but said that he only wanted to see its functions. "I asked to see its functions and after that I placed it on the table because the owner was talking to some people," he said.
He denied making away with the cell phone.
State, led by prosecutor Sikhangele Mahlamvana, alleges that it was on February 2 in the evening and everyone was enjoying the church service for the birthday party. It is the State's case that Cladius borrowed the cellphone, on the pretext that he wanted to have a look at it. When the man of the cloth noticed that the owner was distracted he allegedly slipped away with the gadget unnoticed.
The owner tried to locate him but after searching the premises they realised that he had left the party without so much as a goodbye to anyone. Festivities were dampened as they had to lodge a police complaint against the pastor. The trial continues on July 1 after the pastor indicated that he has some witnesses who can testify on his behalf and meanwhile he will be out of custod.
Source - hm
