Post Reporter
RUSAPE General Hospital’s human resources officer, Collin Mukondomi, was allegedly bashed by angry mourners during a church service on Tuesday, following a contentious eulogy that purportedly enraged the deceased’s relatives and friends.
Mukondomi shocked the mourners when he allegedly described the late Martin Karichi, who died last Saturday, as someone with a poor work record and alleged that he would take medication from the hospital pharmacy and illegally treat people.
Enraged mourners and relatives allegedly dragged Mukondomi out of St John’s United Methodist Church in Vengere, and assaulted him before he made a hasty retreat from the funeral.
The church’s laity leader, Mr Philip Kanengoni, confirmed the incident, but declined to elaborate.
“Sorry, I am not comfortable to discuss that issue with the Press,” said Mr Kanengoni. Another senior church member, who opted to remain anonymous citing protocol, confirmed that Mukondomi’s behaviour was uncouth as it is unAfrican to speak ill of the dead.
“Mrs Mushawa, who was nominated to speak on behalf of Sekuru Karichi’s former colleagues, delivered a heartfelt tribute, recounting their positive working relationship until his retirement.
“However, Mukondomi took to the podium and began making disparaging remarks about Sekuru Karichi, shocking relatives, church members and friends. He claimed that the late Sekuru Karichi was incorrectly addressed as ‘Dr’ since he was merely a nurse aide, and alleged this led to unauthorised use of hospital medications.
“Mukondomi also boasted about saving Sekuru Karichi from dismissal and demoting him to a general hand. As the human resources officer, he emphasised his authority to hire and fire staff. The mourners erupted in outrage, prompting the director of ceremonies to intervene and seize the microphone.
“Sekuru Karichi’s relatives manhandled Mukondomi, causing chaos in the church. He was dragged outside and assaulted before fleeing from the premises. We never expected such behaviour from a former colleague, especially one in a senior position. It was completely unacceptable,” said a senior church member.
Mukondomi admitted sharing the lesser-known aspects of Sekuru Karichi’s character, claiming he saw nothing wrong with his actions since he had been invited to speak about the late man’s work history.
He denied being assaulted, arguing that he left peacefully.
“I was given a slot to speak as someone who had worked with the deceased. I thought they wanted to hear about his work history, so I shared how we had worked well together. However, I also revealed some of the deceased’s lesser-known qualities; which made some mourners uncomfortable.
“As a nurse aide, there were some misconduct issues, and we had demoted him to a general hand. The mourners took issue with my decision to share this information publicly.
“One person approached me and asked why I had shared those details. I apologised, explaining that I had thought the mourners wanted to hear about the deceased’s history.
‘‘I was asked to leave the church. Others, however, saw no problem with my speech and wanted me to return. There was commotion between those who supported me and those who opposed me.
‘‘That was the source of the uproar. No one assaulted me. Someone opened my car door and told me to leave; so I did,” explained Mukondomi.
Mukondomi later contacted The Manica Post, acknowledging that his actions were wrong and expressed remorse for his words.
He said he was waiting for tension to ease before approaching Sekuru Karichi’s relatives to apologise.
“I wish to extend my sincerest apologies to all concerned parties. I have not yet approached them, as I believe emotions are still running high, but I intend to do so. My comments were inappropriate, and I am not proud of them. What I said was not right,” said Mukondomi before hanging up.
