A Zimbabwean pastor, who was caught on camera stealing from his own church, was convicted of theft and sentenced to three years in jail.
Pastor Adolf Lwazi Moyo was caught stealing from his own church. He was found guilty of theft by a Harare magistrate after a full trial.
Moyo must be thanking God after he escaped a custodial sentence as six months of his sentence were suspended on conditions of good behaviour.
Another year was suspended on the condition that he restitutes ZW$1 million to the church and the remaining 18 months on the condition that he serves 630 hours of community service at Warren Park police station.
In passing Moyo’s sentence, the Magistrate said such behaviour is unbecoming of a man of cloth.
Moyo was charged with two counts of theft after he broke into Apostles of Christ Church premises and got away with property worth over US$13, 000.
He pleaded guilty to the charges when he appeared before Harare Magistrate Notcia Shenje. Moyo was remanded in custody awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty.
The court heard that on July 11 this year, one Perfect Hlongwane locked the doors of the Apostles of Christ and connected zoom meeting systems, assuming that the meeting would commence the following day.
But, he appeared earlier to steal electronic gadgets, including television sets and 18 laptops.
Moyo also admitted that he also stole a television set from a law firm situated in the same building.
He was apprehended by the police on July 19 and voluntarily made indications leading to the recovery of some of the stolen gadgets.