PASTOR, 2 OTHERS ARRESTED FOR THEFT FROM CHURCH

MBABANE - A pastor has been arrested together with two men, for allegedly stealing a sound system at Mnyokane Pentecostal Church.

Information gathered was to the effect that Nhlonipho Khumalo (39) of Ndlalambi was arrested after police investigations uncovered that he purchased the stolen property from Thulani Dladla (35) and Xolani Dlamini (21), both of Mhlosheni. The stolen equipment, include a black Yamaha PSR46, hybrid table mixer 12 channels, 3x hybrid table mixer 14 channels, 3x hybrid microwave, black speakers, Supersonic amplifier, decoration clothes, 3x microwave cable and 2x seat covers, all totalling E48 150.

The property was in the lawful possession of Bongani Dlamini, who appeared as the complainant in the matter. In law, a person who receives stolen property knowing it to be stolen is guilty as the actual perpetrator. Khumalo was said to have been lured into buying the stolen property by his brother-in-law.

Appearance

The trio made their appearance before Mbabane Magistrate Temantimandze Shongwe. Muzi Nxumalo, who represented the Crown in the matter, applied that they all be remanded in custody until December 20, 2024, pending setting of a trial date before the Mbabane principal magistrate. Nxumalo informed the court that the Crown intended to oppose Dladla’s bail application, as he committed the offence while he was out for bail for a similar offfence. When the pastor applied to be released on bail, he said he was very sorry to find himself in the situation.

Khumalo told the court that he was implicated for reasons which, he, however, did not mention. Dlamini also applied for bail. They were each admitted to bail fixed at E10 000 on condition they do not interfere with Crown witnesses while out on bail. They were warned against committing a similar offence while out on bail. The church equipment was recovered and presented in court. The Crown later moved an application to have the equipment released back to the custody of Bongani, who is the secretary of the church.

The complainant was in court with other members of the church. He seemed to have no hard feelings against Khumalo, whom he spent some time with, before the items were loaded into a motor vehicle. Dladla is also accused of breaking into Samson Mbhamali’s house and stealing property valued at E35 000. The stolen items include a Honda water pump, grass cutter, chainsaw and a car battery.Dladla also appeared in count three charged together with Mlungisi ‘Batista’ Maya, for allegedly breaking into Precious Maziya’s house, with intent to steal and stealing property valued at E13 490 mostly, which was clothing.

In count four, Dladla appeared with Xolani for malicious damage to property. It is said that the duo damaged a black JVC sub woofer, gold speaker and power cables, when they allegedly stole the property from the church. Maya, who only features in one count was admitted to bail fixed at E3 000.

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