PRETORIA, South Africa, SEPT. 27, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Archbishop Pius Ncube said he will stay in Zimbabwe as a human rights advocate determined to stand against the rule of President Robert Mugabe.
Archbishop Ncube of Bulawayo, whose resignation was accepted by Benedict XVI earlier this month, is involved in a court case for allegedly committing adultery.
The archbishop has maintained his innocence and said he resigned for the sake of his brother bishops and the Church.
He visited South Africa from Sept. 19 to 20, by the invitation of the Denis Hurley Peace Institute, which wished to show support for the embroiled prelate.
During his two-day visit, Archbishop Ncube spoke with many groups, including seminarians and South African businessmen.
The peace institute reported that the archbishop commented specifically on the pain caused by the deteriorating plight of the people in Zimbabwe, especially the lack of food and water, the breakdown of the health and educational systems, the empty stores and the increasing number of desolate poor, living without hope.
He also expressed his conviction that Mugabe will win the March 2008 elections through mass intimidation, using food as a weapon, and by rigging the electoral process.
Archbishop Ncube spoke of his personal prayer life as the source of his strength and his willingness to carry on fighting.
ZE07092708 - 2007-09-27