Antony Chawagarira
HARARE – The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Harare has confirmed the death of senior priest Father Regis Chikuni, four days after the Church issued an urgent appeal for information on his whereabouts.
Fr Chikuni, 58, was reported missing on September 5, prompting the Archdiocese to appeal to the public and intensify prayers for his safe return.
However, in a death notice dated September 9, the Archdiocese announced that the priest had been found deceased at the mortuary of Parirenyatwa Hospital.
The notice, signed by the Archbishop’s Secretary, Fr Ephraim Murwira, was issued on behalf of Archbishop Robert C. Ndlovu.
“Tragically, he was found deceased at the mortuary of Parirenyatwa Hospital,” the Archdiocese said.
This development has brought a tragic end to the search for the senior priest, whose disappearance caused concern among Catholics in Harare and beyond.
In its initial appeal, the Archdiocese described Fr Chikuni as one of its senior priests and urged the faithful to unite in prayer for his safe return.
“As a family of faith, let us unite in earnest prayer, asking the Lord, through His loving providence and protection, to guide us in finding Fr Regis safe and sound,” the Church said at the time.
The Archdiocese had also provided contact numbers for members of the public who might have information about the priest’s whereabouts.
Following confirmation of his death, the Church said Fr Chikuni’s pastoral service and contribution to the Catholic community would always be cherished.
“We take comfort in our faith that Father Chikuni has returned to the loving embrace of our Lord. His dedication to his pastoral duties and the impact he had on our community will forever be cherished in our hearts,” the Archdiocese said.
Details surrounding the circumstances leading to his death have not been disclosed.
The Archdiocese said funeral arrangements would be announced in due course and thanked priests, religious communities, the lay faithful and members of the public for their prayers and support during the search.
“May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may we find solace in the hope of the Resurrection,” the Church said.
