Courageous Bishop Zuza dead
Straight-talking and courageous Bishop Joseph Mukasa Zuza of the Mzuzu Catholic Diocese died after being involved in a road accident in Chikangawa, Mzimba, today.
Zuza, who was also head of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM)—the supreme body of the Catholic Church in Malawi, was pronounced dead on arrival at Mzuzu Central Hospital (MCH) in Mzuzu City, according to acting general secretary of ECM Father Emmanuel Chimombo.
He said the bishop, who was self-driving, was involved in a road accident at Nthungwa in Chikangawa—midway between Mzimba and Mzuzu—on his way back from his home village at Mhlafuta, Champhira in Mzimba.
“I can confirm that Bishop Zuza has died following an accident,” Chimombo told Nation Online in a telephone interview.
“The front tyre of the vehicle he was driving burst and [the vehicle] overturned. He was then taken to Mzuzu Central Hospital where he died. He was alone in the vehicle.” he added.
Northern Region Police spokesperson Maurice Chapola said Zuza, who was driving a Toyota Hilux double cabin registration MZ 6022, was in critical condition when he was taken to the hospital.
Zuza’s body has since been moved to the Catholic-owned St. John’s Hospital within Mzuzu City.
Bishop of Karonga Catholic Diocese Martin Mtumbuka described his brother bishop’s death as a great loss to the Catholic community and the country at large.
Mtumbuka, whose newly-created diocese was demarcated from Zuza’s diocece, said: “I knew Bishop Zuza as a kind, patient person who was like a parent to me. He was generous and a good listener. He never rushed to make decisions before consulting.”
Zuza will be remembered for his courage when, for example, on August 16 2011, in his homily at a national service of worship in Blantyre, openly criticized former president the late Bingu wa Mutharika.
The bishop faulted Mutharika’s dictatorial traits and said a person who thought he knew everything is called a fool or chindere chakufikapo in Tumbuka.
In his lifetime, Zuza also co-authored several Catholic bishops’ pastoral letters, including Reading the Signs of The Times in November 2010 that was critical of political and economic policies in the country.
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We will keep you updated about the funeral arrangements.
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