Apostle Charles Chiriseri, the leader of His Presence Ministries International, has passed on. He was involved in a fatal road accident Thursday night along the Gweru-Bulawayo highway in the Mbembesi area in Matabeleland North province.
His wife, Petunia, was critically injured and is currently admitted in the Intensive Care Unit at Mater Dei Hospital in Bulawayo. She is a member of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission, who was sworn in by President Mugabe on July 7, this year.
The couple was returning from a funeral.
“Let’s pray for the recovery of the wife and overcoming grace for the church, His Presence Ministries International,” said Faith Ministries in a statement.
Pastor Chiriseri was a former member of Faith Ministries before forming his own denomination in 2006. His Presence Ministries International has branches in the United Kingdom, South Africa and 10 branches across Zimbabwe.
He left behind nine children.
Faith Ministries said funeral arrangements would be made later in the day on Friday.
Details about the accident were sketchy yesterday, but those who visited the scene suspected the couple’s vehicle could have hit a donkey.
“They were travelling in a Toyota Hilux. Near the wreckage of their vehicle lay a dead donkey which made us suspect they hit the animal.
“Apostle Chiriseri died on the spot, while his wife lost consciousness while being taken to hospital. I doubt she knows that her husband is dead,” said a source.
Family spokesperson and founder of Harvest House International Ministries Bishop Colin Nyathi confirmed Apostle Chiriseri’s death.
“It is with sadness of the heart that we announce the passing on of Apostle Charles Chiriseri last night (Thursday) as a result of a road traffic accident that took place approximately 44km from Bulawayo in Mbembesi,” said Bishop Nyathi in a statement