Catholic priest found dead in kneeling position

A CATHOLIC priest at Charles Lwanga College of Education in Monze has allegedly committed suicide in his house.
Both Monze district commissioner Biggie Mwiinde and Southern Province commissioner of police Mary Chikwanda confirmed the incident yesterday and identified the deceased as Fr. Fredrick Kabwe, aged between 50 and 55.
In an interview, Mr Mwiinde said Fr Kabwe, who was a principal at Charles Lwanga College of Education was found dead his house on Monday morning.
“It’s a big loss. I am told he allegedly committed suicide in his house but we are yet to know what could have transpired for him to take that action,” he said.
Mr Mwiinde said Fr Kabwe’s body wil l be transported from Monze to Lusaka today in readiness for a requiem mass at St Ignatius Catholic Church.
He said Fr Kabwe was expected to be buried in Kasisi today.
And a police source in Monze said Fr Kabwe was found dead in a kneeling position around 04:00 hours.
“Police officers who rushed to the scene found the body in a kneeling position and did not spot any physical injuries.
When contacted for a comment, Ms Chikwanda said “I am in a meeting but I can confirm that Fr Kabwe has died.”
Southern Province education officer Stephen Chishiko described the death of Fr Kabwe as “a tragic loss to Southern Province and the entire nation”.
“The death of Fr Kabwe is shocking because he was enjoying good health. The country has lost a gallant creative man, who spoke for the voiceless,” Mr Chishiko said.
He said Fr Kabwe, who was scheduled to retire next month, was also spearheading the implementation of the new education curriculum.
The death of the priest comes at a time that the Catholic Church has commenced the season of Lent – the 40 days of recollection and repentance before Easter.
Members of the church are expected to undertake acts of repentance, fasting, sacrifice and alms-giving.
Many churches hold daily prayers known as novenas at which the members seek public forgiveness for their sins through community prayers.