HARARE - A self-styled prophet who allegedly swindled a woman of more than $700 claiming he wanted to pray for the money to solve her problems has escaped jail.

Vincent Mashaire, 27, was sentenced to three months in prison which was wholly suspended on condition he immediately pays back Shamiso Zvabaya $735.

In passing the sentence, magistrate Tendai Mahwe said: “It is important that you pay back the money to show that crime does not pay.”

Mashaire last month lied to Zvabaya that he was a prophet and was able to solve her problems through a cleansing exercise.

He told Zvabaya to bring all the money she had in the house so that he could pray for it.

Mashaire was given $735 and wrapped it in a cloth which he said he wanted to pray for to remove evil spirits.

Zvabaya later unfolded the cloth and found papers.

She filed a police report leading to Mashaire’s arrest. - Ivan Zhakata