KADOMA — A suspected habitual thief masqueraded as a genuine congregant and stole various property from unsuspecting church members of two apostolic sects.
Own Correspondent
Chrispen Muchanyo (28) appeared before a local magistrate on Monday facing theft charges and was remanded to August 26 on $50 bail.
It is the State’s case that on August 14 this year at around 9:30pm and at Gaririya apostolic shrine near Mazai Infill in Kadoma, the accused, who was wearing a white robe, went to the shrine and joined “fellow” church members for an all-night prayer.
It was further averred that accused then took advantage of the darkness and sneaked to the area where other church members had left their shoes and belongings. Muchanyo, the court heard, then took a bag belonging to Langton Tom which contained various property that included two Samsung cellphones, a Nokia cellphone, various clothing items and $50 in cash.
Muchanyo, who resides at DDF Complex adjacent to Hoffman Farm and is unemployed, then made good his escape without being detected, the court heard.
The State also said the following day, the accused proceeded to the next shrine and tried to use the same modus operandi to steal from congregants at a Madzibaba shrine, but his luck ran out after he was caught red-handed stealing.
Muchanyo allegedly fled the scene, but sect members effected a citizen’s arrest and handed him to the police leading to his arrest. All the stolen property was recovered and positively identified.
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Magistrate Takudzwa Gwazemba presided over the matter.
