The man identified as McDonald Majaya (32) from Bulawayo in Zimbabwe told The Chronicle that he only got to know of the affair after he stumbled across WhatsApp chats between Father Itai Mangenda, and his sweetheart, Rutendo Mudzingwa (24).
Father Mudzingwa who took a vow of celibacy and pledged not to have sex is alleged to have been sleeping with Majaya’s girlfriend since February last year.
I discovered that the two were in a relationship since last year and we have been having misunderstandings with my girlfriend over the issue. This is unacceptable, how can a priest who vowed not to marry interfere with my relationship? Said Majaya.
I don’t know what to do because right now, I’m really hurt. This is disturbing especially considering that l was putting my all into the relationship and was thinking of paying something (bride price) in April.
Mujaya also alleged that the priest’s brother who is also a priest based in Bulawayo attempted to bribe him not to expose the affair.
His brother first offered me US$300 and l rejected it. He even increased the offer to $500 but l could not trade my life for that. This is my life for goodness’ sake.
When reached for comment, Father Mujaya denied the allegations saying,
I know her as a believer and l once went to their home to visit her sick grandmother…The problem is with the girl. If people are over-excited they start thinking that they are in love but that’s not the case. I am her priest and she is a believer.
Please do not write such stories. Imagine they will be read everywhere and that will tarnish my image. This is a planned lie meant to tarnish my image.
