Christopher Man’ombe
Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) today led church members during the Good Friday service at Mbungo Estates in remembering victims of the Chipinge bus accident that killed 36 members, 29 on the spot, last night.
The accident occurred at the 5km peg along the Jopa-Skyline road in Chipinge. The bus, which was ferrying ZCC members to Mbungo Estates to observe Easter, had 106 passengers on board, including infants.
Addressing thousands of church members already gathered at Mbungo Estates for the Easter festivities, Bishop Mutendi said only God the Father knows the time.
He urged church members from the affected parishes to leave before the conclusion of the Easter conference to be with their fellow parishioners.
“Soon after the Holy Communion tonight all the people from the affected areas must go and join others in mourning our departed fellow congregants and we will join them shortly after the conference”, said Bishop Mutendi.
In a statement issued after the service, Bishop Mutendi said that the entire Zion Christian Church was profoundly saddened by the Jopa accident.
“Our prayers are with the departed and their families at this trying time,” Bishop Mutendi said.
“The Church’s relief arm RUCORS is now extended to offer material assistance such as food items and clothing, while on the other hand Church Elders are engaged in psychological and spiritual support to victims of the accident and their families.
“Our hearts have been touched by the outpouring condolence messages we have received from people from all walks of life. For this we are truly grateful.
“We also express our sincere gratitude to His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe for offering State assistance following the disaster.
“We also thank our partner Ecosure for standing by our side at this time.
“May the dear souls of the deceased rest in eternal peace.”