Zimpapers Logo

The late Reverend Reuben Mabhena

Auxilia Katongomara, Chronicle Reporter
RENOWNED Brethren in Christ Church (BICC) preacher Reverend Reuben Mabhena who died on Thursday will be buried tomorrow.

Rev Mabhena (68) succumbed to cancer at Mpilo Central Hospital after battling the ailment for a long time.

The revered pastor presided over a memorial service for one of the first Zipra combatants in the liberation war, Cde Sikhwili Moyo. The service was attended by former President Robert Mugabe and one of his deputies at the time the late Cde John Nkomo.

It is on the day while speaking at the service, that the ex-President opened up on Gukurahundi, describing the period as a moment of madness.

A family spokesperson, Mr Samuel Mabhena said a church service will be conducted at BICC Central branch arena before burial at Lady Stanley Cemetery.

“His body will arrive at the church in the morning for a funeral service before we proceed to Lady Stanley Cemetery for burial,” said Mr Mabhena.

He said his brother was born in Insiza district in 1939 and did his secondary education at Wanezi Mission.

He proceeded to Mtshabezi Mission to study Theology before moving to Dallas in America where he attained a BA in Theology from the Christ for All Nations Church.

He came back to Zimbabwe in the early 80s and taught at the Theological College for a year before he became a junior pastor at the Brethren in Christ Church.

Rev Mabhena has been resident at the BICC Bulawayo Central branch since the 80s.

In 2013, he suffered a stroke while delivering a sermon but recovered and continued with his work.

Parishioners at the church said Rev Mabhena stepped down as the branch’s main pastor last year due to old age and played the role of mentor and father figure to younger pastors.

He had been admitted to a private ward at Mpilo Central Hospital for the three months before his death.

He has been described as a loving person with a big heart and very welcoming.

Rev Mabhena is survived by his wife, MaMhlophe.

Mourners are gathered at BICC Central branch in Bulawayo.  — @AuxiliaK.