Worshippers fall prey to handbag thieves during prayer

POLICE have arrested two Harare women who were in the habit of targeting churches in and around the city, stealing handbags and cellphones while the owners were praying .

According to police, the two suspects stole handbags, satchels and cellphones from unsuspecting congregants from churches such as the Salvation Army and Roman Catholic Church.

Criminal Investigations Department spokesperson Detective Assistant Inspector Portia Chinho yesterday confirmed the arrest of Violet Jaure (28) and Maria Kawa (35).

“They were arrested by detectives from the CID Marlborough,” she said. “On different occasions, the accused persons targeted church congregants and would steal from them while they were praying.

“During the month of May 2018, the accused persons stole various types of property including handbags, satchels, cellphones and other valuables from unsuspecting congregates at the Salvation Army and Roman Catholic churches. They were targeting valuable property left unattended by victims.”

Det Asst Insp Chinho said investigations carried out so far revealed that on May 20, the duo went to a Roman Catholic church in Mabelreign and masqueraded as church congregants waiting for the church service to start.

They stole a handbag that was left unattended and went away.

The handbag had valuables worth $1 000.

“On another case, on May 27, 2018, the accused persons disguised themselves as church congregants at a Salvation Army church in Mabelreign,” said Det Asst Insp Chinho. “They waited until congregants were distracted and stole various property including handbags, cellphones, Bibles and clothes valued at $1 141.”

Detectives received information that the accused persons were selling suspected stolen property in Chitungwiza and made a followup, resulting in the arrest of Jaure at her home.

Police recovered Bibles, cellphones and handbags.

She implicated her accomplice Kawa, who was later arrested at her house in the same town.

Searches were conducted at the house leading to the recovery of more goods.

“Police would like to urge congregants at churches not to leave their bags and other valuables unattended,” said Det Asst Insp Chinho.

“The public is also encouraged to (record) serial numbers or put iden- tification marks on their gadgets for easy identification in the event of recovery. The police would like to thank members of the public for providing information, which led to the arrest of the two criminals.”

Det Asst Insp Chinho said for more information members of the public can contact CID Marlborough on (0242) 301803, any nearest police station or the National Complaints Desk on (0242) 703631.