By Tichaona Katsvamutima
A senior Roman Catholic priest who was reported missing last week has been found dead at Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare.
Father Regis Chikuni, 58, of the Archdiocese of Harare, was reported unaccounted for on September 5, 2026, prompting the Catholic Church to issue an urgent appeal for information on his whereabouts.
In a notice read to parishioners during Sunday Mass, the Archbishop’s Secretary, Fr Ephraim Murwira, said the Archdiocese was concerned about Fr Chikuni’s whereabouts and wellbeing.
“On behalf of His Grace, Archbishop Robert C. Ndlovu, we wish to inform all Priests, Religious and the Lay Faithful of the Archdiocese of Harare that one of our senior priests, Fr Regis Chikuni, is currently unaccounted for, and we are concerned about his whereabouts and wellbeing,” Fr Murwira said.
Four days later, the Church confirmed the death of the priest.
In a death notice dated September 9, 2026, and signed by Fr Murwira, the Archdiocese announced that Fr Chikuni had died.
“Tragically, he was found deceased at the mortuary of Parirenyatwa Hospital,” the notice said.
The Archdiocese expressed sorrow over the death, saying Fr Chikuni’s service to the Church and the wider community would be remembered.
“We take comfort in our faith that Father Chikuni has returned to the loving embrace of our Lord. His dedication to his pastoral duties and the impact he had on our community will forever be cherished in our hearts,” the Archdiocese said.
Fr Chikuni was one of the senior priests serving in the Archdiocese of Harare and was well known among the Catholic faithful.
The circumstances surrounding his death had not been disclosed by the Archdiocese in the death notice.
The Church said details of the funeral arrangements would be communicated in due course and thanked the faithful for their prayers and support during the difficult period.
“May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may we find solace in the hope of the Resurrection,” the Archdiocese said.
