Antony Chawagarira
A 22-year-old motorist has been arrested and charged with culpable homicide in connection with the death of Roman Catholic priest Father Regis Chikuni, who was struck by a Honda Fit in Harare last month.
Police identified the suspect as Sean Gamu Makoni, who was allegedly driving south along Prince Edward Road when the vehicle collided with Father Chikuni at the intersection with Samora Machel Avenue at about 2:40 a.m. on August 29.
The 58-year-old priest sustained severe head injuries and fractures to both legs, and died at the scene.
Makoni, who was reportedly alone in the vehicle, is assisting police with their investigation.
The case initially appeared to be a hit-and-run after the vehicle was not found at the scene, but subsequent investigation led police to the alleged driver and the filing of the culpable homicide charge.
The Honda Fit was later recovered with damage to its front bumper, left headlamp, bonnet, and windscreen, and was taken to the Vehicle Inspection Department in Eastlea for examination as investigators sought to establish the circumstances surrounding the fatal collision.
The development came as the Catholic Church and relatives were searching for Father Chikuni, who had been reported missing.
Unknown to those searching, the priest’s body had been taken to Parirenyatwa Hospital mortuary after the accident and was being kept as that of an unidentified victim because he was not carrying identification documents.
His body was only positively identified on September 9 by fellow priest Father Prince Murungweni, bringing the search for the missing priest to a tragic end.
His next of kin, Ngonidzashe Chikuni, was subsequently notified.
The Archdiocese of Harare has since confirmed Father Chikuni’s death and announced funeral arrangements, with a Requiem Mass scheduled for September 14 before his burial at Chishawasha Cemetery.
Police have not alleged that Makoni deliberately targeted Father Chikuni, and the culpable homicide charge relates to the circumstances surrounding the fatal road accident.
The case remains under investigation as authorities continue to piece together the events leading to the death of the senior Catholic priest.
The incident has also renewed calls for motorists to exercise caution on the roads, particularly at night, and for drivers involved in accidents to stop, assist victims, and report the incidents to police.
For the Catholic community, what began as a search for a missing priest has ended with the arrest of a young motorist over a fatal road collision that claimed Father Chikuni’s life.
