Women Steals Bethel Church Money
In a plot twist worthy of a daytime soap opera, a 24-year-old woman from Bulawayo’s Cowdray Park suburb found herself in hot water after a rather unholy heist at the Bethel Church.
Bridget Chiedza, a member of the congregation, was caught red-handed (or perhaps green-handed, given the currency involved) after pilfering US$118 and R431 from the church’s coffers.
The drama unfolded on August 4, 2024, when Chiedza was entrusted with the funds by church secretary Prisca Moyo, following the pastor’s directive. One might think that handling church money would be a sacred duty, but alas, temptation proved too strong.
When the time came to return the cash for accountability purposes, Chiedza pulled a vanishing act that would make Houdini proud. She became unreachable, even going so far as to block communication from her fellow church members. Talk about divine intervention!
Women Steals Bethel Church Money
The church, not one to let sleeping dogs lie, reported the matter to the police, leading to Chiedza’s eventual arrest. Appearing before Western Commonage magistrate Learnear Khumalo, Chiedza admitted to the theft, her eyes brimming with tears and remorse.
She explained that her mother’s illness in the rural areas had driven her to this desperate act. “It was a mistake, and I wish to be given the chance to pay back the money,” she pleaded, hoping for a miracle of leniency.
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In a courtroom scene that could rival any courtroom drama, Chiedza was sentenced to 12 months in prison. However, in a twist of mercy, the court suspended three months on the condition that she remains crime-free for five years.
An additional six months were suspended, provided she completes 210 hours of community service at Cowdray Park health services. The remaining three months were also suspended on the condition that she repays the stolen amount by November 15, 2024.
