News / Religion
Roman Catholic priest commits suicide
21 Apr 2013 at 21:38hrs | Views
A Roman Catholic priest last week died when he threw himself onto a moving haulage truck along the Masvingo-Beitbridge road after allegedly being troubled by a prolonged unknown illness.
Father Agrippa Semende (34), who was the priest-in-charge of Mashava died after his head was crushed by a haulage truck near Gokomere Mission where he had gone to refresh and seek medical treatment.
Masvingo police spokesman Inspector Peter Zhanero yesterday said they were still investigating the matter.
Inspector Zhanero said they were treating the matter as an act of suicide.
"We are still investigating the matter to establish why the priest threw himself into a moving haulage truck but we are treating the matter as an act of suicide.
"However, investigations are continuing," said Inspector Zhanero.
On the fateful day, it is alleged that Father Semende, who was suffering from malaria and had been temporarily staying at Gokemere Mission, walked for over 400 metres to the Masvingo-Beitbridge highway.
He allegedly started chatting with some vendors at Gokomere Mission township.
He reportedly told them he had been troubled by illness and wanted to rest.
It is alleged that Father Semende then initially tried to throw himself into an oncoming Nissan Navara vehicle but survived when the driver of the vehicle stopped after spotting him.
Father Semende apologised to the Nissan Navara driver and walked for some distance along the highway before hiding in a small bush.
A few minutes later he walked to the highway after noticing that a haulage truck was passing by. He allegedly threw himself onto the truck and his head was crushed resulting in his instant death.
Father Semende's body was removed by nuns from Gokomere Mission
Father Agrippa Semende (34), who was the priest-in-charge of Mashava died after his head was crushed by a haulage truck near Gokomere Mission where he had gone to refresh and seek medical treatment.
Masvingo police spokesman Inspector Peter Zhanero yesterday said they were still investigating the matter.
Inspector Zhanero said they were treating the matter as an act of suicide.
"We are still investigating the matter to establish why the priest threw himself into a moving haulage truck but we are treating the matter as an act of suicide.
"However, investigations are continuing," said Inspector Zhanero.
On the fateful day, it is alleged that Father Semende, who was suffering from malaria and had been temporarily staying at Gokemere Mission, walked for over 400 metres to the Masvingo-Beitbridge highway.
He allegedly started chatting with some vendors at Gokomere Mission township.
He reportedly told them he had been troubled by illness and wanted to rest.
It is alleged that Father Semende then initially tried to throw himself into an oncoming Nissan Navara vehicle but survived when the driver of the vehicle stopped after spotting him.
Father Semende apologised to the Nissan Navara driver and walked for some distance along the highway before hiding in a small bush.
A few minutes later he walked to the highway after noticing that a haulage truck was passing by. He allegedly threw himself onto the truck and his head was crushed resulting in his instant death.
Father Semende's body was removed by nuns from Gokomere Mission
Source - TH
