Pastor Bnada
Catholic publications have reported that Father William Banda was murdered by “a well-dressed man in the sacristy of the Holy Trinity Cathedral” of Tzaneen Diocese. Picture: X/The Southern Cross
Mavhungunekuvule Mungomeni
Father William Banda, a 38-year-old member of St. Patrick’s Missionary Society Kiltegan and Parish Priest at the Catholic Church Diocese of Tzaneen in Limpopo, was tragically assassinated inside the church on Wednesday morning, March 13th. The priest was shot twice while preparing to celebrate Holy Mass after the morning prayer session for church members.
According to reports by Magdalene Kahiu from Time LIVE and South Africa’s Far North Bulletin, Father William Banda was praying in the church when his assailant entered and sat beside him before accompanying him to the sacristy, where the fatal attack took place. Parishioners were gathering for the morning Mass when a stranger, described as a well-dressed African man, joined Father Banda in prayer. After the morning prayer, the assailant escorted Father Banda to the sacristy, where he fatally shot him in the neck and head before fleeing to a waiting vehicle.
Upon receiving the distress call, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Emergency Medical Service responded promptly. Father Banda was rushed to a nearby hospital but was tragically pronounced dead upon arrival. In response to this shocking incident, the provincial Commissioner in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has ordered a thorough investigation. The Murder and Robbery Unit has been tasked with leading the investigation to apprehend the perpetrator responsible for this heinous crime.
While authorities are actively investigating, the motive behind this tragic incident remains unknown, leaving the Tzaneen community in mourning and seeking answers.
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