News / National
Church secretary in court for US$21k theft
2 hrs ago | Views
Chipo Molly Machokonera (40), the administration secretary of Apostolic Faith Mission's (AFM) Shalom Assembly in Westlea, Harare, appeared at the Harare Magistrates Court on Saturday, facing charges of stealing more than US$21,000 by doctoring bank deposit slips.
Machokonera was released on US$100 bail by Harare Magistrate Isheanesu Matova. She is scheduled to return to court on January 17 for the possible allocation of a trial date.
State prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi alleged that sometime in January last year, Machokonera doctored bank deposit slips while employed as the administration secretary for AFM Church Shalom Assembly Westlea, Harare. Her role involved receiving and receipting tithes and offerings from congregants, and subsequently banking part of the money with Steward Bank.
During this period, it is alleged that Machokonera stole US$21,904, which she converted to her own use. To conceal the theft, she presented fake deposit slips to the church, falsely claiming that the money had been deposited with Steward Bank's Joina City branch.
It was reported that Machokonera forwarded the doctored deposit slips to the church board, who believed that the money had been properly deposited. However, on December 10 last year, when the church requested a bank statement from Steward Bank, it was revealed that the funds had not been deposited.
An internal audit conducted afterward exposed Machokonera's misappropriation of funds, prompting the church to file a police report.
The State revealed that copies of bank statements showing the discrepancy and fake deposit slips would be used as evidence during trial. The total amount stolen is US$21,904, and none of the stolen money has been recovered.
Machokonera is expected to face further court proceedings to determine the next steps in the legal process.
Machokonera was released on US$100 bail by Harare Magistrate Isheanesu Matova. She is scheduled to return to court on January 17 for the possible allocation of a trial date.
State prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi alleged that sometime in January last year, Machokonera doctored bank deposit slips while employed as the administration secretary for AFM Church Shalom Assembly Westlea, Harare. Her role involved receiving and receipting tithes and offerings from congregants, and subsequently banking part of the money with Steward Bank.
During this period, it is alleged that Machokonera stole US$21,904, which she converted to her own use. To conceal the theft, she presented fake deposit slips to the church, falsely claiming that the money had been deposited with Steward Bank's Joina City branch.
It was reported that Machokonera forwarded the doctored deposit slips to the church board, who believed that the money had been properly deposited. However, on December 10 last year, when the church requested a bank statement from Steward Bank, it was revealed that the funds had not been deposited.
An internal audit conducted afterward exposed Machokonera's misappropriation of funds, prompting the church to file a police report.
The State revealed that copies of bank statements showing the discrepancy and fake deposit slips would be used as evidence during trial. The total amount stolen is US$21,904, and none of the stolen money has been recovered.
Machokonera is expected to face further court proceedings to determine the next steps in the legal process.
Source - newsday
