A 43-year-old Bulawayo-based self-styled prophetess was recently sentenced to 12 months imprisonment after she misappropriated US$1 700 belonging to her client.
The “prophetess”, Sidelile Masera Moyo (43) of Induna Barracks in Bulawayo, was approached by Khulisani Moyo who intended to sell his car.
Khulisani was among several congregants who lined up at Sidelile’s shrine to be prayed for.
According to B-Metro, Khulisani had failed to sell his car on several occasions, and desperation to find a buyer pushed him to Sidelile’s shrine for prayers.
After about two days, Khulisani returned to the shrine and informed the prophetess that the car had been bought for US$2 200.
Sidelile told him to wrap the money in white and black pieces of cloth and bring it back for prayers.
She reportedly told her client that she would keep the money for three days and pray over it to cast out evil spirits that might be following Khulisani.
Khulisani complied and returned to collect his money after three days but was told to come the following day.
She kept telling him to return the following day every time he went to collect his money, claiming that strong evil spirits were holding it.
Khulisani eventually realised that he had been duped and the prophetess also confessed she had used US$1700 to settle her debts and was left with US$500. He reported the matter to the police.
On Tuesday this week, Sidelile appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Shepherd Mnjanja facing a theft charge.
She pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment.
However, three months were suspended on condition that she does not commit a similar offence within a period of five years.
A further four months were suspended on condition that she restitutes Khulisani US$1 700.
The remaining five months were suspended on condition that she performs 175 hours of community service.