A Mutare-based 65-year-old African Apostolic Church bishop, Charles Tekeshe, allegedly broke into a congregant’s house and stole US$10 800 that was stashed under a bed.
Tekeshe recently appeared before Mutare magistrate, Ivy Musavengana charged with unlawful entry into premises as defined in Section 131(2) (e) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23.
Tekeshe was granted bail and remanded to 27 March for trial.
Prosecuting, Sandra Mlambo said Tekeshe broke into Hedsen Mabhutso’s house through the window and stole US$10 800. Said Mlambo:
On May 18, 2021, and in Dangamvura, Mutare, Mr. Mabhutso locked his children in the house and left for his workplace in the company of his wife.
He secured all his property, including the US$10 800 which was stashed under the bed in his bedroom.
At around 10 AM, Tekeshe was seen arriving at Mr Mabhutso’s house by the complainant’s eight-year-old son. Tekeshe was holding a blue box in his hands.
Tekeshe inquired whether the complainant and his wife were present through the window and was told they were away.
Tekeshe allegedly ordered the minor child to open the kitchen window.
The child complied and Tekeshe went into the house through the window. Said Mlambo:
While inside the house, Tekeshe proceeded to Mr Mabhutso’s bedroom where he stole US$10 800 before going out through the same window.
Tekeshe allegedly ordered the minor to wipe off his feet and fingerprints using a cloth before he left the house.
Mabhutso returned home on the same day around 7 PM and his son narrated what had happened during his absence.
He went to his bedroom and discovered that his money had been stolen.
Mabhutso reported the matter at ZRP Dangamvura and Tekeshe was arrested. Nothing was recovered.
More: Pindula News