The Catholic Diocese of Chinhoyi is grieving the loss of Reverend Fr. Fredrick T. Mabiri, a senior priest who was closely associated with the late former President Robert Mugabe. Fr. Mabiri tragically passed away early yesterday morning in a car crash at Musengezi Bridge near Murombedzi, close to Chegutu.
The accident, which occurred around 3 a.m., involved Fr. Mabiri’s Toyota Hilux single cab colliding with an oncoming truck. The impact was severe, resulting in the priest’s death at the scene. The truck’s occupants sustained only minor injuries.
David Tavengwa, a local resident, recounted the scene of the accident: “I heard a loud crash around 3:30 a.m., but did not immediately go outside. When I did, about 200 meters from my home, I saw the wreckage of the vehicle. Firefighters were working to remove the body from the mangled car.”
Fr. Mabiri was highly esteemed within the Catholic Church for his deep faith and community service. He was notably a close advisor to the late President Mugabe, having served as his priest at Kutama Mission, the former president’s ancestral home. Their relationship was strengthened by their shared totem, Gushungo, making Fr. Mabiri a respected figure within the Mugabe family.
In a 2019 interview with Al-Jazeera following President Mugabe’s death, Fr. Mabiri reflected on Mugabe’s presidency, acknowledging his achievements in education and health, but also noting areas where his administration fell short.
The late President Mugabe was a regular attendee at Kutama parish, a fact revealed by Fr. Mabiri, who was stationed there at the time.
Fr. Mabiri, who served at St. Kizito’s Parish in Murombedzi, was involved in a fatal accident at Musengezi Bridge. Details of the funeral arrangements will be announced later. He is remembered for his 33 years of service to the Catholic Church, his dedication to his parishioners, and his contributions as a musician and composer of popular hymns like “Mwari huyai,” “Vakomana masara,” and “Nazo zinai zokha.”
His passing has brought profound sadness to the Catholic community, the Mugabe family, and the broader public. Fr. Mabiri’s unwavering faith, compassion, and commitment will be deeply missed, leaving a significant void in Zimbabwe.
The accident underscores the perilous nature of this road, which has become notorious for fatal accidents. Josphat Chikomo, who witnessed the scene, lamented the recent increase in such incidents, referencing a similar fatal accident in the area just the previous week.
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