The Catholic Diocese of Chinhoyi is in mourning following the tragic death of Reverend Fr Fredrick T. Mabiri, a senior priest who was known for his close ties to the late former President Robert Mugabe. Fr Mabiri died yesterday early morning in a car accident at Musengezi Bridge in Murombedzi near Chegutu, My Zimbabwe News can confirm.
The accident occurred around 3am, about 25km before Chegutu, when Fr Mabiri’s Toyota Hilux single cab allegedly veered into the lane of an oncoming truck. The impact was so severe that the priest was pronounced dead at the scene. The occupants of the truck were lucky to escape with minor injuries.
Mr David Tavengwa, a resident who lives near the accident site, described the horrific scene.
“I heard a loud bang around 3:30am, but I didn’t go out to check immediately. When I finally went to the scene, which is about 200 metres from my home, I saw the mangled vehicle. The firefighters were cutting the wreckage to retrieve the body,” he said.
Fr Mabiri was a well-respected figure in the Catholic Church and was known for his deep faith and commitment to serving the community. He was also a close confidante of the late President Mugabe, having served as his priest at the Kutama Mission, the former president’s ancestral home. The two men shared a totem, Gushungo, a bond that strengthened their relationship and made Fr Mabiri a revered figure in the Mugabe family.
“I see him as a president who was focused on uplifting the quality of life of the people, there are many things he succeeded in terms of education and health, but as a human being there are other things he was failed to do in his administration, but I cannot speak on those matters,” Fr Mabiri told Al-Jazeera in 2019 following the death of former President Mugabe.
The late former president Robert Mugabe was a devoted parishioner who attended mass every Sunday at his Kutama parish in Zvimba. This was once revealed by Fr Mabiri who was the resident priest at Kutama at the time.
However, the fallen strongman discontinued his weekly pilgrimages in the latter years of his life due to security concerns, the priest, Father Frederick Mabiri, once revealed.
Catholic Diocese of Chinhoyi has confirmed the death of one of their senior priests and said burial arrangements will be announced in due course. The notice was signed by Fr Kenneth Mapanda the Vicar General.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing on of Rev. Fr Fredrick T. Mabiri in the early hours of today,” reads a statement released by the Catholic Diocese of Chinhoyi.
“He was involved in a fatal road accident at Musengezi Bridge Murombedzi. Fr Mabiri was stationed at St. Kizito’s Parish in Murombedzi. Funeral arrangements will be communicated later. May his dear soul rest in peace,” the statement concluded.
Fr Mabiri was a devoted priest who served the Catholic Church for 33 years following his ordination in September 1991 at St Kizito Parish Murombedzi, his homestead. He was known for his dedication to his parishioners and his commitment to spreading the Gospel. He was also a talented musician and composer, having written several popular hymns, including “Mwari huyai,” “Vakomana masara,” and “Nazo zinai zokha.”
Fr Mabiri’s death has been met with deep sorrow and disbelief by members of the Catholic Church, the Mugabe family, and the wider community. He will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his compassionate nature, and his dedication to serving others. His passing is a significant loss for Zimbabwe, leaving a void that will be difficult to fill.
The accident has once again highlighted the dangers of this stretch of road, which has become notorious for its high number of fatal accidents.
Mr Josphat Chikomo, who was at the scene, lamented the recent spike in fatalities. “This area has become a black spot,” he said while referring to another accident that claimed the lives of two people just last week.
