Severe shock as choir member dies in church

PETI SIYAME in Mpanda

A CHOIR singer from Mkanyagio B Roman Catholic Church in Mpanda Municipality, Katavi Region, Beatrice Kangu (48), died suddenly last Sunday, shortly after giving offertory during a holy mass.

A church official, Mr Charles Kanyanda, told the ‘Daily News’ that the incident that sent shock waves amongst worshippers, occurred at around 7:30 am. Mr Kanyanda further explained that the deceased seemed to be in good health when she joined choir-mates earlier, under the charge of the instructor, Mr Agustino Ntalwila.

He explained: “Like other worshippers, Beatrice joined the queue towards the altar, gave her offertory and returned to her seat at the section reserved for the choir. In the midst of the next song, she collapsed and lost consciousness.

Efforts by her colleagues to revive her didn’t succeed, plunging the rest of the worshippers into utter shock.”

Mr Kanyanga said the deceased was buried at Mwanga cemetery in the municipality, the solemn mass being led by Parish Priest from Maria Immaculate Catholic Church, Father George Kisapa, who described her as a staunch believer.