Another Catholic priest dies in car crash

By Mirirai Nsingo

The Catholic community in the country has been plunged into mourning after another newly ordained priest died in a car crash on Tuesday morning.

Father Jacob Kuli Chimenga, an assistant priest at Murambinda parish, died on the spot along the Chivhu – Murambinda road, in the month the Catholic community commemorates all the faithful departed souls.

Father Chimenga was ordained in August by Archbishop Robert Ndlovu. The young priest who had only served the Lord as a priest for three months becomes the third to perish in a car accident this year after two other priests died early this year.

Fathers Ignatius Kariati (36) and Alfred Matonhodze died on the spot along the Bindura-Mt Darwin road in January.

Chimenga and Matonhodze were all bred at St Claire Warren Park Parish. The Catholic community on Facebook expressed shock at losing the youthful priest.

“We used to call him Coach Carter! Just this Sunday akasvitsa three months as a priest and God saw that you have accomplished your mission my friend and he took you.

“Ticharamba tichiendesa ndima yawatisiira. Rest in Peace Fr KULIE JACOB, Till we meet again,” posted one Mobie Musakaita.

“Ndimi mamudaidza ndimi mamubvisa matiri. munzwi-re-i wo tsitsi musamutonge (muine hasha) musamurangewo Mambo mukatitonga (nokuti ranga) sezvatinofanir kuitwa ndiiiyani ndiyani angapunyuke. maziso edu azere misodzi misodzi yedu mungaishaire hanya imi. REST IN PEACE FATHER JACOB,” wrote Linda Muhotiwa.

A night vigil will be held for the late priest on Thursday at St Mary’s New Highfield parish before his burial at Chishawasha cemetery on Friday. H Metro