By A Correspondent

A 24-year-old woman from the Bethel Church in Cowdray Park, Bulawayo, has been arrested for allegedly misappropriating US$118 and R431 from the church’s funds.

Bridget Chiedza appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Learnear Khumalo, facing charges of theft of trust property, to which she pleaded guilty.

Chiedza received a 12-month prison sentence, with three months suspended on the condition that she does not commit a similar offense within five years. Additionally, six months of her sentence were suspended contingent on her completing 210 hours of community service at Cowdray Park health services. The remaining three months will also be suspended if she repays the church the stolen amount by November 15, 2024.

In her defense, Chiedza urged the court to reconsider a prison sentence, explaining that she took the money to pay for her mother’s medical treatment. “My mother was ill in the rural areas, and I needed the funds for her care. It was a mistake, and I hope to be given the opportunity to repay the money,” she stated.

The court heard that on August 4, 2024, around noon, Chiedza was given US$118 and R431 by church secretary Prisca Moyo at the pastor’s request. When the church later sought the return of the money for accountability, Chiedza allegedly fled and became unreachable, blocking all communication with church members. The total value of the misappropriated funds was US$118 and R431, and none has been recovered. The church reported the incident to the police, leading to her arrest.