24-year-old lady arrested for stealing church money
Crimes and Courts

24-year-old lady arrested for stealing church money

This is rare and shocking but the truth. A Bulawayo based woman was arrested for stealing church money.

The woman aged 24 years, stole USD 118 and R431 from her Bethel church which is based in Cowdray Park.

The woman, named Bridget Chiedza was brought to court and admitted stealing the minor. Stating the reasons for the theft of the money she claimed that she was in a financial desperation due to her mother’s illness.

The matter which was first reported by B-Metro  , took place on the 4th of August 2024. The whole issue began when Chiedza was handed USD 118 and R431 by church secretary, Prisca Moyo who had been directed by the church pastor.

However, the funds were requested back for accountability purposes and Chiedza was not reachable as she was blocking communication from church members.

As a result, the matter was then reported to the police resulting in her eventual arrest.

In the court, Chiedza tearfully pleaded with the court for leniency, explaining the difficult circumstances that led to her actions.

Facing mounting pressure to help her ailing mother in the rural areas, she admitted to making a desperate choice.

“My mother was sick in the rural areas, and I needed money for her treatment.

 

“That’s why I committed the offence. It was a mistake, and I wish to be given the chance to pay back the money,” she explained in her plea for leniency.

Chiedza was sentenced to 12 months in prison. However, 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.