A 40-year-old Lusaka businesswoman has appeared in court for allegedly stealing personal belongings worth more than K40,000 from congregants during prayer sessions at Omega Fire Ministries Church.
Bertha Chulu has been charged with three counts of theft, an offence that carries a maximum sentence of up to five years imprisonment upon conviction.
In the first count, it is alleged that on January 18, 2026, Chulu stole two mobile phones — a Samsung S25 and an MTN handset — along with a handbag, purse, pair of slippers, smartwatch and K200 cash belonging to Jane Mbuzi. The items are valued at K37,000.
In the second count, she is accused of stealing a handbag, two pairs of pumps, a purse, two Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, a National Registration Card, a blue seal Vaseline, two A15 mobile phones and a Tecno Spark phone belonging to Faith Mwanang’ombe. The property is valued at K6,350.
The third count alleges that on the same date, she stole a Huawei Honor 30 mobile phone worth K5,500 belonging to Veronica Kazembe.
Chulu appeared before Lusaka Magistrate Webster Milumbe, where she denied all the charges.
The matter has been adjourned to March 2, 2026, when trial is expected to commence.
