AFM Church Secretary Faces Court Over Alleged Theft of US$21,000

Chipo Molly Machokonera, 40, from Dzivarasekwa Extension, Harare, faced Harare magistrate Isheanesu Matova for allegedly stealing over US$21,000 from AFM Church Shalom Assembly.

Released on US$100 bail, Machokonera will return to court on January 17 to set a trial date.

She is accused of embezzling funds by doctoring bank deposit slips from her role as an administrative secretary.

Machokonera’s responsibilities included handling tithes and offerings, then depositing part of the money into Steward Bank.

Instead of banking the funds, she allegedly stole US$21,904, using it for personal gain.

To deceive the church, she created fake deposit slips, claiming the money was deposited at Steward Bank’s Joina City branch.

She sent these misleading slips to the church, covering up her theft for months.

The deception unraveled when the church requested bank statements in December 2024, revealing no such deposits were made.

An internal audit confirmed the discrepancies, leading to a police report against Machokonera.

Evidence includes bank statements and the fake deposit slips, which will be presented during the trial.

The church has not recovered any of the stolen US$21,904 from Machokonera.

Prosecutor Rufaro Chonzi presented these allegations in court, highlighting the extent of the financial betrayal.

Machokonera’s actions have caused not only financial loss but also shaken the trust within the church community.

This case spotlights the vulnerability of religious organizations to internal financial misconduct.

The community of Shalom Assembly awaits justice as the legal proceedings unfold.

The upcoming trial will be crucial in determining the fate of Machokonera and providing closure for the church.