A 31-year-old Thyolo Female Prison inmate serving a 60-month sentence for stealing K15 million from a CCAP church has sought forgiveness from her former congregation.
Natali Saidi of Lopa Village, Traditional Authority Likoswe in Chiradzulu, met Rev. Ausward Chinyama of St. Luke’s CCAP Church under the Blantyre Synod on July 9, 2026, during a meeting facilitated by the Malawi Prisons Service through its Victim Empathy Programme.
Saidi was convicted of theft by servant involving K15 million while serving as treasurer for 55 CCAP churches in Chiradzulu.
Before her conviction, she was responsible for depositing church collections in the bank. She told the meeting that due to logistical challenges, she sometimes kept the money at home before banking it.
Saidi said she later discovered that her husband had been taking the money over time without her knowledge, leading to the loss of the funds.
She apologised to Rev. Chinyama and the church, saying she regretted the circumstances that damaged the trust placed in her.
“I am truly sorry, Rev. Ausward Chinyama. You trusted me with this responsibility, and I served faithfully for some time, but things ended badly because of what happened. It was never my intention to bring shame upon you and the members of St. Luke’s CCAP,” Saidi said.
She asked the church to receive her back after completing her sentence, saying she had learnt from the rehabilitation and spiritual programmes she underwent in prison.
“When I complete my sentence, I kindly ask that you receive me as you did before. I have changed and learned a great deal through the Restorative Justice Programme here in prison,” she said.
Rev. Chinyama accepted Saidi’s apology and pledged to deliver her message to the church leadership and congregation.
“We trusted you, and unfortunately certain circumstances led to your imprisonment. Such is life. Continue praying and remain faithful. I will pass your apology to the church, and we will continue praying for you,” he said.
Saidi’s mother, Esther Kalimbira Saidi, thanked the church for forgiving her daughter and encouraged her to remain hopeful during her sentence.
“You are not the first person to face such a situation, and this is not the end of your life. You will always be my child. Continue trusting God even while you are in prison,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the Thyolo Female Prison Officer-in-Charge, Superintendent George Kholowa commended the church and family for supporting the reconciliation process.
Kholowa said inmates who undergo rehabilitation should be given an opportunity to rebuild their lives after completing their sentences.
“We appreciate your willingness to forgive and support her. When she completes her sentence, we ask that you welcome her back into the church and the community. She has undergone rehabilitation and spiritual transformation,” he said.
Restorative Justice and Peace Building Facilitator at Thyolo Female Prison, Sergeant Tamandani Kainga, said the Victim Empathy Programme promotes healing, accountability, forgiveness and successful reintegration of inmates.
“Reconciliation between offenders, victims, families, and the community helps reduce isolation and creates an environment that supports lasting rehabilitation and peaceful coexistence,” Kainga said.
The Malawi Prisons Service said restorative justice programmes are aimed at helping inmates take responsibility for their actions, repair damaged relationships and prepare for reintegration into their communities.
Natali Saidi of Lopa Village, Traditional Authority Likoswe in Chiradzulu, met Rev. Ausward Chinyama of St. Luke’s CCAP Church under the Blantyre Synod on July 9, 2026, during a meeting facilitated by the Malawi Prisons Service through its Victim Empathy Programme.
Saidi was convicted of theft by servant involving K15 million while serving as treasurer for 55 CCAP churches in Chiradzulu.
Before her conviction, she was responsible for depositing church collections in the bank. She told the meeting that due to logistical challenges, she sometimes kept the money at home before banking it.
Saidi said she later discovered that her husband had been taking the money over time without her knowledge, leading to the loss of the funds.
She apologised to Rev. Chinyama and the church, saying she regretted the circumstances that damaged the trust placed in her.
“I am truly sorry, Rev. Ausward Chinyama. You trusted me with this responsibility, and I served faithfully for some time, but things ended badly because of what happened. It was never my intention to bring shame upon you and the members of St. Luke’s CCAP,” Saidi said.
She asked the church to receive her back after completing her sentence, saying she had learnt from the rehabilitation and spiritual programmes she underwent in prison.
“When I complete my sentence, I kindly ask that you receive me as you did before. I have changed and learned a great deal through the Restorative Justice Programme here in prison,” she said.
Rev. Chinyama accepted Saidi’s apology and pledged to deliver her message to the church leadership and congregation.
“We trusted you, and unfortunately certain circumstances led to your imprisonment. Such is life. Continue praying and remain faithful. I will pass your apology to the church, and we will continue praying for you,” he said.
Saidi’s mother, Esther Kalimbira Saidi, thanked the church for forgiving her daughter and encouraged her to remain hopeful during her sentence.
“You are not the first person to face such a situation, and this is not the end of your life. You will always be my child. Continue trusting God even while you are in prison,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the Thyolo Female Prison Officer-in-Charge, Superintendent George Kholowa commended the church and family for supporting the reconciliation process.
Kholowa said inmates who undergo rehabilitation should be given an opportunity to rebuild their lives after completing their sentences.
“We appreciate your willingness to forgive and support her. When she completes her sentence, we ask that you welcome her back into the church and the community. She has undergone rehabilitation and spiritual transformation,” he said.
Restorative Justice and Peace Building Facilitator at Thyolo Female Prison, Sergeant Tamandani Kainga, said the Victim Empathy Programme promotes healing, accountability, forgiveness and successful reintegration of inmates.
“Reconciliation between offenders, victims, families, and the community helps reduce isolation and creates an environment that supports lasting rehabilitation and peaceful coexistence,” Kainga said.
The Malawi Prisons Service said restorative justice programmes are aimed at helping inmates take responsibility for their actions, repair damaged relationships and prepare for reintegration into their communities.
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