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Sylvester Chiramba, Court Reporter
A 24-YEAR-OLD woman from Bulawayo has said she was duped of more than $3 000 she had stolen from her friend by a prophet.

Vimbai Vengesai from Iminyela suburb told Western Commonage magistrate Mr Lungile Ncube that she stole $3 300 and R1 500 from her friend Mrs Sithokozile Moyo in Old Lobengula on January 23.

Mrs Moyo had been given the money for safe- keeping by her brother Mr Justice Nyoni.

Vengesai pleaded guilty to theft charges.

She, however, said she surrendered all the  money to a prophet only identified as Madzibaba Joseph after he had prophesised that she had stolen some money.

Vengesai said Madzibaba Joseph asked her to give him the money and lied that he was going to give it back to Mrs Moyo. Following her arrest, $3 040 was recovered from the prophet but he was not charged.

Magistrate Ncube sentenced her to 24 months in prison.

Mr Ncube suspended six months for good behaviour and the other six months were suspended on condition that she restitutes the complainant.

The remaining 12 months were commuted to 410 hours of community service.

Prosecuting Mrs Margaret Muhomba said sometime in September last year, Mr Nyoni gave his sister $3 300 and R1 500 for safekeeping.

“On January 23 at around 11AM, Moyo left a door to her house unlocked while she went to church,” she said.

“During her absence, Vengesai gained access into the house through the unlocked door and stole the money before going away unnoticed.

“At around 4PM, Moyo returned home and discovered the offence and she went to the police where she filed a report.” — @SlyCee10.