News / National
Suspect threatens to expose pastor
16 Jun 2015 at 08:41hrs | Views
A general hand at a local church, who was arrested on allegations of stealing more than $20 000 from the church, yesterday threatened to expose the church's pastor whom he accused of causing his arrest to cover up for his shenanigans.
Anesu Tarumbwa (21) was employed at Revival International Ministries where he allegedly stole $20 650 and used part of the money to buy a television set.
Tarumbwa yesterday appeared before magistrate Mr Tendai Mahwe charged with theft and according to the State, only $800 was recovered.
During his bail application, Tarumbwa claimed that the complainant Pastor Raymond Mujeyi caused his arrest in a bid to silence him.
"I know all the complainant's secrets so he is afraid I might spill the beans that is why I am being persecuted," he said.
He added: "I did not steal their money and the $800 which was recovered, is my money and I led the police to the recovery of that money under duress."
The prosecutor Mrs Idah Mateke-Maromo opposed bail arguing that there was overwhelming evidence against Tarumbwa considering that he is the one who led the police to the recovery of $800.
She added that if convicted, Tarumbwa faces a lengthy prison term, which might force him to abscond.
Mr Mahwe remanded him in custody to today for bail ruling.
It is the State's case that on December 10 last year, Pastor Mujeyi withdrew $22 000 from his bank account which he then kept 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.
Anesu Tarumbwa (21) was employed at Revival International Ministries where he allegedly stole $20 650 and used part of the money to buy a television set.
Tarumbwa yesterday appeared before magistrate Mr Tendai Mahwe charged with theft and according to the State, only $800 was recovered.
During his bail application, Tarumbwa claimed that the complainant Pastor Raymond Mujeyi caused his arrest in a bid to silence him.
"I know all the complainant's secrets so he is afraid I might spill the beans that is why I am being persecuted," he said.
He added: "I did not steal their money and the $800 which was recovered, is my money and I led the police to the recovery of that money under duress."
The prosecutor Mrs Idah Mateke-Maromo opposed bail arguing that there was overwhelming evidence against Tarumbwa considering that he is the one who led the police to the recovery of $800.
She added that if convicted, Tarumbwa faces a lengthy prison term, which might force him to abscond.
Mr Mahwe remanded him in custody to today for bail ruling.
It is the State's case that on December 10 last year, Pastor Mujeyi withdrew $22 000 from his bank account which he then kept 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.
Source - herald
