Actual theft or inside job? – Church safe explosion – ZimEye

A brazen robbery at St. Gerard’s Catholic Church raises suspicions of insider involvement.

In the early hours of yesterday, St Gerard’s Catholic Church in Borrowdale was the scene of a daring robbery. Unidentified assailants invaded the church premises and took undisclosed sums of money. The incident, which involved breaking into the church’s parish office and opening safes, has raised concerns over whether this could have been an inside job.

According to Father Mark Chikuni, rector and parish priest of St Gerard, the thieves entered the compound sometime between 1:30 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. “We were awakened by sounds of explosions that seemed to come from our compound. This wasn’t just a robbery; “It was a violation of our sacred spaces,” Father Chikuni reported in a statement.

Eyewitness accounts from the scene described that the robbers had precise knowledge of the layout of the church. They reportedly bypassed several less important rooms to target key areas where valuables were stored. “These culprits also entered the main church through the crying room and did not hesitate to break into the parish priest’s office, the sacristy and the altar boy’s room,” Father Chikuni explained. He expressed his anguish over the desecration of these sacred quarters, emphasizing that the intruders thoroughly searched the areas, probably in search of additional money.

Interestingly, despite the presence of a security guard who was patrolling at the time of the robbery, the robbers managed to execute their plan without confrontation. “Fortunately, no one was hurt, including our guard who was on duty that night,” added Father Chikuni.

This detail, along with Father Chikuni’s comment that the church does not normally keep cash on the premises, has fueled speculation about the nature of the theft. The rapid attack on specific areas within the church and knowledge of cash kept in the office safes suggest the robbers may have had inside information.

The church’s financial council has taken immediate action in response to the theft, prioritizing improvements to the church’s security infrastructure. Father Chikuni appealed to the public for support and urged community members to help in any way possible to prevent future incidents.

Law enforcement officials have launched a thorough investigation, looking at every possible lead, including the theory of an inside job. Detective Inspector Linda Sibanda, who is leading the investigation, said: “We are exploring all angles, including insider involvement. “It is crucial that we arrest these individuals not only to recover stolen property but also to ensure that the sanctity of our community spaces is maintained.”

The Borrowdale community reacted with shock and outrage and rallied around the church at this difficult time. Regular parishioner Mrs Elizabeth Tonderai expressed her dismay: “It is heartbreaking that someone could desecrate our church. “We come here seeking peace and comfort, and it is disturbing to think that one of our own could be involved.”

As the investigation continues, the community and authorities are hopeful for a quick resolution to bring those responsible to justice and restore peace to St Gerard Parish.

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