Chatholic Church reveals cause of death of priest who survived acid attack in 2013
Father Anselmo Mwang'amba when he was admitted in hospital in 2013 after acid attack. PHOTO | FILE
What you need to know:
- Father Mwang'amba, who was splashed with acid by unkown assailants in 2013, passed away on the morning of February 27, 2025, while at the church where he had been offering services
Unguja. As the body of Father Anselmo Mwang'amba (77) is prepared for burial on March 4, 2025, at the Kitope Church in the North Region of Unguja, the leadership of the Catholic Church in Zanzibar has disclosed the cause of death.
Father Mwang'amba passed away on the morning of February 27, 2025, while at the church where he had been offering services.
According to the Zanzibar Diocese secretary general, Father Cosmas Shayo, the priest had been suffering from chronic back problems, which ultimately led to his passing.
"He had been struggling with a back problem, and the church will remember him for all the good he did. He served from his youth up until the time of his death," he said.
Fr Mwang'amba, born on June 4, 1948, in Mbozi District, Mbeya Region, was ordained as a priest on June 14, 1981, at the age of 33.
At the time of his death, he had served the church for 44 years, working in both Unguja and Pemba islands.
Father Shayo added that the church had lost a dedicated priest who worked with both skill and devotion.
"The church has suffered a great loss, as we have lost a priest who was both skilled and effective in his work. He has left behind younger people, but God has decided to take him. This is a great loss to us," said Fr Shayo.
It is remembered that in September 2013, Father Mwang'amba was splashed with acid and was hospitalised at Mnazi Mmoja Hospital in Zanzibar before being transferred to Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH).
Former Zanzibar President, Dr Mohamed Ali Shein visits Father Anselmo Mwang'amba in hospital. PHOTO | FILE
The attack occurred in the Mlandege area of the Western City Region, injuring him on his face, chest, and hands.
Reports from the isles stated that the priest was returning from a mobile phone communication services shop when he was attacked, and splashed with acid by unknown assailants at the doorstep.
The thugs whose motives remain unknown fled into the alleys of Mtendeni and Mchangani immediately after executing the crime.
The Anglican church secretary general, Fr Stanley Lichinga, said although death is part of God’s plan, the void left by Fr Mwang'amba cannot be easily filled.
"He has served, and now his time has come to depart. May his soul rest in peace. We cannot deny that some must leave. God has used them, but now is the time for them to go. Let us not curse God," he said.
