Mangochi vicar general laid to rest

The Vice-President Saulos Chilima on Wednesday said he was saddened by the death of Mangochi Diocese vicar general Andrew Nkhata in a road accident on Monday, describing the cleric’s passing as a loss not only to the Catholic Church, but to the nation as well.

Chilima said this on Wednesday in Mangochi when thousands of mourners paid their last respects to Nkhata who died in a road accident on Monday night.

“Today is a sad day to the diocese of Mangochi. As government, we would like to offer our condolences to the family, the church and to the nation.

“I can see [through] the presence of the people here that the man lived a good life which we all need to learn. We will remember him for this and may his soul rest in peace,” he said.

In his eulogy, bishop of the diocese Montfort Stima said they have lost someone who was dedicated to his work.

“The late Nkhata was a good man. In fact, when I came to this diocese, I found him already a vicar general. But because of his honesty, truthfulness, and intelligence, I decided to maintain him until this time,” he said.

Among the high-profile people who attended the ceremony included former president Bakili Muluzi, bishop and presidential adviser on religious affairs Timothy Khoviwa.

Nkhata died near Namiyasi Trading Centre in the district.

Born 47 years ago at Chakachadza Village, Traditional Authority Pemba in Dedza District, he was ordained as a priest on July 11 1998.