Crimes and Courts Correspondent
In a shocking turn of events, Lebraity Makuni, a 28-year-old pastor from the Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe Praise and Worship Centre Assembly, has been accused of faking an armed robbery to cover up a scam involving a congregant.
Pastor Makuni allegedly reported to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) that he had lost US$7,500 and other valuables during a robbery at his home in Chitungwiza. However, police investigations revealed that the pastor had fabricated the robbery after receiving US$3,000 and a Techno cellphone from a congregant. He had promised to deliver maize to support the congregant’s poultry business but failed to fulfill this commitment. Instead, he staged the robbery as a means to cover up his actions.
The Harare provincial ZRP spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, confirmed Makuni’s arrest, stating that he has been charged with providing false information to the authorities. Following his court appearance, he was granted bail of US$100 with the condition that he reports to the Chitungwiza CID every Friday. His next court date is scheduled for the following week.
In a separate incident, Nigel Masona, a 23-year-old from Beitbridge, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for aggravated unlawful entry after breaking into his brother-in-law’s home. The homeowner discovered the break-in after being alerted by a neighbor and found his safe had been compromised, resulting in the theft of ZAR4,900.
Masona was arrested and received a sentence with part of it suspended on the condition that he repays the stolen amount.
These incidents highlight serious issues within the community, including breaches of trust by individuals in positions of authority and the consequences of criminal behavior. The case of Pastor Makuni serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity, especially among leaders who are expected to guide and support their congregations.
Zim GBC News©2024