Antony Chawagarira
HARARE — A senior Roman Catholic priest who went missing last month has been found dead at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals mortuary, with authorities suspecting that he could have been struck by a vehicle.
Father Chikuni was 58.
Father Chikuni, of the Archdiocese of Harare, was reportedly found by police at the corner of Prince Edward and Tongogara Streets in Harare at about 5:15 a.m. on August 28.
According to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals Chief Executive Officer Dr Tsitsi Mildred Magure, the deceased had no form of identification when his body was found.
Police are understood to suspect that the priest had been hit by a vehicle before his body was taken to Parirenyatwa Hospital.
The development has since been linked to the death notice issued by the Archdiocese of Harare on Wednesday, confirming that Father Chikuni had died after being found at the hospital mortuary.
“In this time of sorrow, we are reminded of the promise of the Resurrection. We take comfort in our faith that Father Chikuni has returned to the loving embrace of our Lord,” the Archdiocese said in the notice signed by the Archbishop’s Secretary, Fr Ephraim Murwira.
Father Chikuni had been reported missing on September 5, prompting an appeal for information on his whereabouts.
The Archdiocese described his death as a profound loss, saying his dedication to his pastoral duties and the impact he had on the community would remain cherished.
“We urge everyone to come together in prayer as we reflect on the memories and blessings that Father Chikuni brought into our lives,” the church said.
The circumstances surrounding how Father Chikuni came to be at the intersection of Prince Edward and Tongogara Streets, as well as the details of the suspected road accident, remain unclear.
Police are yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
The Archdiocese said details of the funeral arrangements would be communicated in due course.
