The Chronicle

BULAWAYO, Monday, December 27, 1992 — While most church-goers continued to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ yesterday, some members of the Church of Christ in Bellevue, Bulawayo, had to start their celebrations late after finding that there had been a break-in and someone was hiding in the ceiling of the church.

As if this was not enough, the man had defecated in a cardboard box inside the church. The man had also scribbled “I saw Jesus Christ on Christmas Day”, and “The A Team is back” on a blackboard inside the church.

“It was drama in real life. The man was discovered by youths who had come to prepare for morning prayers. Surprisingly, the inside door could not be opened as therewere piles of books and baptism certificates behind it,” the pastor of the church, Mr Japhet Nyathi said.

The alleged burglar is said to have entered the church by breaking a rear window. After entry, he packed books, children’s toys and the baptism certificates in satchels and other carrier bags. According to Mr Nyathi, the man had a fresh cow skin.

A youth member of the church, Miss Phumulani Gasela, said the man first appeared violent but later calmed down.

Police confirmed the incident but said they were consulting a psychiatrist to check on the man’s sanity.

“We saw nothing wrong with him . . . he is normal and could be a habitual thief. The law should take its course,” Mr Nyathi said.

This is the fourth burglary at the church this year.