Controversial  c l e r i c  J o h n Numbwe, popularly known as Bishop John General, says his arrest on Friday was instigated by a fellow clergy person who is jealous of his success. Bishop Numbwe of Miracle Impact Ministries International, a church boasting of over 7,000 members, and tucked in the hinterland of the sprawling Matero township, narrated to his congregation yesterday that a fellow bishop of Garden township is the mastermind of the brush he had with the law.

On Friday, police arrested Bishop Nundwe, 46, and his wife Maureen Kakwende, also a pastor at the same church, and an accountant, Paul Kambazo, commonly known as Pastor Paul Fire, for allegedly stealing K70,000 in 2015 from a church member. Preaching before a packed and frenzied church, bishop Nundwe said those who practise witchcraft and satanism are envious of success in spreading the word of God, hence framing him that he stole money from a church member.

“A bishop from Garden [township] called me last week and vowed to finish me. And true to his word, police toting guns came and arrested me and my wife like common criminals. But I will not stop contributing to the welfare of the vulnerable,” Bishop Nundwe said in faltering Nyanja. He only uses the local language and someone translates into English. Bishop Nundwe also runs a television station, Healing Centre Television. He said he is baffled why he is continually victimised in situations orchestrated by his rivals. Bishop Nundwe admitted receiving K7,000 in 2015 as tithe from the church member, Matilda Mwanza, and not the money she claims he stole from her.

“I will never leave Zambia. This is my country. How can I steal when I own two houses in South Africa, I have a huge track of land in Zimbabwe and got properties in the Democratic Republic of Congo?” he said. Bishop Nundwe said a stranger helped him to pay back K58,000 claimed by the woman and so he was consequently released from police.

But deputy police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga said it is only in the court of law that the case can be withdrawn by the complainant. “He is out on police bond. Even if he paid, procedure requires that the complainant makes an application in court to withdraw the matter,” Mr Hamoonga said. Minister of National Guidance and Religious Affairs Godfridah Sumaili said in a statement that she is concerned that people are still being swindled out of their hard-earned money by some dishonest pastors.