A ROMAN Catholic priest who was convicted of culpable homicide after an Ipsum vehicle he was driving was involved in a collision with a motorbike along the Ngundu-Tanganda Highway, leading to the death of two bikers, is being sued $20 000 for loss of support by the deceased’s widows and children.
Tatenda Chitagu Own Correspondent
The bikers, Evans Mugumo and Enock Murere from Chiredzi, died on the spot when their motorbike burst into flames after it rammed into the car driven by father Gragemen Mudzingwa.
The accident occurred on December 12 2013.
Mudzingwa, who was in the company of father Davison Hamadziripi, was found guilty of culpable homicide and got away with a fine.
The widows, Blessing Majaya and her three minor children whom she is representing, and Fortunate Zvoushe and her two children, want $10 000 apiece from Mudzingwa, who is the first respondent, as well as the church’s Neshuro Parish and Masvingo Diocese, who are listed as second and third respondents, respectively.
They argue that the Catholic priest was and is still employed by the church and, therefore, the employers are liable for Mudzingwa’s actions and that the church is a legal persona, which can be sued.
Under case number 1825/14, Majaya and Zvoushe, married to Mugumo and Murere, respectively, argue that the deceased were the sole breadwinners who would have continued to support them and their children if they were still alive.
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The deceased were self-employed.
Through their lawyers, Rodney Makausi of Saratoga Makausi, the widows argue that their husbands would have taken care of the minor children until they turned 18.
Mudzingwa and the church are represented by Collin Maboke of Maboke and Ruvengo law firm.
The case is set to be heard at the Masvingo Civil Court on January 30.
