by Chris Matambanadzo
A 28-year-old pastor from the Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe, Lebraity Makuni, has been arrested after staging a fake armed robbery to conceal his fraudulent actions. Makuni, who serves at the Praise and Worship Centre Assembly in Chitungwiza, filed a false police report claiming to have lost $7,500 and other valuables in a robbery at his home.However, police investigations revealed that the pastor’s robbery story was fabricated. Makuni had allegedly received $3,000 and a Techno cellphone from a congregant with promises of supplying maize to support the individual’s poultry business. Instead of fulfilling his promise, Makuni staged the robbery to cover up his financial misconduct.Harare provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Luckmore Chakanza, confirmed Makuni’s arrest, and he has been charged with providing false information to authorities. Makuni appeared in court and was granted bail set at $100. As part of his bail conditions, he must report to Chitungwiza CID every Friday. He is expected to return to court next week for further proceedings.
In a separate incident, 23-year-old Nigel Masona from Beitbridge was sentenced to 24 months in prison for aggravated unlawful entry after allegedly breaking into his brother-in-law’s home. The burglary occurred on October 20, when Masona broke into the house, stole ZAR4,900, and caused damage to the safe.
Masona was arrested shortly after the break-in. The court suspended four months of his sentence for five years, with an additional four months suspended on the condition that he repays the stolen money.
These cases highlight the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing both financial fraud and property crimes in Zimbabwe.
