Chronicle (Zimbabwe)

Storm rocks Catholic Church as priest impregnate­s nun

- Thandeka Moyo

A ROMAN Catholic priest from Bulawayo has allegedly impregnate­d a nun, leading to her banishment.

The Archbishop of Bulawayo, Alex Thomas, confirmed that Father Kevin Mthunzi Takaendesa had been discipline­d for the offence.

He, however, dismissed reports that Father Takaendesa fled to England after impregnati­ng the nun.

“Father Kevin was discipline­d for impregnati­ng a nun and I have it in writing but he went to England on holiday which was planned at the beginning of the year. As you know that it’s not easy to walk to England,” said Archbishop Thomas.

He declined to reveal details of the disciplina­ry measures, saying it was a private and confidenti­al matter.

“Disciplina­ry procedures are there in every field and as a church we’ve a Code of Canon Law which lays down administra­tive policies. If there is any misconduct we use it to discipline members.

“I can confirm that he (Father Takaendesa) went to England and came back to Bulawayo. The holiday had nothing to do with impregnati­ng the nun as that is his own personal issue,” Archbishop Thomas said.

He could not say whether or not Father Takaendesa was still serving as a priest.

Archbishop Thomas also dismissed social media reports that there was infighting within his church, saying the claims were originatin­g from people who had no proof to substantia­te them.

“I understand that a lot has been said about me and other priests but all this needs facts. I never transferre­d a priest to England after he impregnate­d a nun and I didn’t chase her away from church,” Archbishop Thomas said.

“Nuns have their own rules and systems. I don’t have to deal with nuns.”

He said social media rumours could not be taken seriously especially when one has no proof.

“I’m not worried about social media gossip mongers claiming that I’ve two cars, a house and even a child who is in South Africa. Can you bring me the title deeds, car registrati­on books and a birth certificat­e to prove all this malice?” Archbishop Thomas said.

Some Catholic congregant­s have been circulatin­g two long messages via WhatsApp entitled, ‘The Archdioces­e of Bulawayo has suffered enough harm’ and ‘The Moment of Truth in the Archdioces­e of Bulawayo’.

But Archbishop Thomas rubbished claims of impropriet­y saying he was aware that the scandalous messages were sent using a Vodacom line which is registered in South Africa. — @thamamoe

 ??  ?? Archbishop Alex Thomas
Archbishop Alex Thomas

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