Armed robbers kidnap ZAOGA pastor, steal car, $ 4 000

Tinashe Zisengwe

‘Thou shall not steal’ six robbers in Bindura seems to have not broken the country’s laws only but disobeyed God at the highest level as they stole at least $ 4 000 cash, a car, cellphones from congregants from two ZAOGA FIF churches before kidnapping a pastor.

Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Sergeant Stanford Mguni confirmed the thefts saying the fearless robbers are reported to have invaded Bindura ZAOGA church where they stole a Silver Honda CRV vehicle and unaccounted cash.

The spokesperson said six men, two armed with iron bars entered the holy shrine at the Bindura Cathedral and demanded cash from the congregates.

They were given the cash while some offered their mobile phones.

Sgt Mguni the same assailants went on to rob $ 4 000 to another ZAOGA church in Marondera and kidnapped the church pastor, Allias Jokota.

The pastor who was asleep when the four unknown people forced open the door and gained entry.

Three of the suspects entered the house, while the other one remained at the door on guard.

It is reported that while inside, the suspects rounded up everyone and tied their hands using neck ties and clothes.

They took two cellphones from the Jokotas.

It is said that after hearing the noise the cries from the pastor’s house, the caretaker Edmore Makause (36) went to check and met the three suspects who were armed with empty beer bottles and iron bars.

The suspects manhandled Makause and led him into a house, where everyone was and had his hands tied.

Assailants dragged the pastor to the church’s office and blew the safe money with dynamite before taking $3 500 cash as well as blowing another safe in the youth secretary’s office where they took $ 600.

The police also said the robbers are still on the run.