PRIEST KILLED AFTER MYSTERY DISAPPEARANCE: DRIVER CHARGED OVER FATHER CHIKUNI’S DEATH
The mystery surrounding the disappearance of Catholic priest Father Regis Chikuni has taken a devastating turn, with a young driver charged over his death in a late-night Harare road crash.
Father Chikuni, 58, had disappeared after being last seen at around 5pm on August 28.
His fellow priests were searching for him, unaware that tragedy had already struck.
Police say that at about 2.37am the following day, Father Chikuni was attempting to cross Prince Edward Road in Harare when he was hit by a Honda Fit travelling south.
The impact proved fatal.
He suffered severe head injuries and fractures to both legs and died at the scene.
His body was taken to Parirenyatwa Hospital mortuary, where it remained unidentified until September 9.
That was when fellow priest Father Prince Murungweni identified him.
Murungweni told police that Father Chikuni had been missing since the previous evening.
Now Sean Gamu Makoni, 22, has been charged with culpable homicide and is assisting police with investigations.
Makoni was alone in the Honda Fit when the crash happened.
The vehicle suffered damage to its front bumper, left headlamp, bonnet and windscreen and was later taken to the Vehicle Inspection Department in Eastlea for examination.
For Father Chikuni’s church community, the identification brought a heartbreaking end to days of uncertainty.