The Catholic Church in South Africa, a nation plagued by violent crime, is mourning the murder in two priests in just over a week, and last Sunday a third priest was murdered in Africa, this time in Burundi. Fr Lionel Sham, parish priest of Mohlakeng in Johannesburg archdiocese, was abducted from his home on Friday night, 6th March. His body was discovered by police in Orange Farm, a sprawling informal settlement south of Johannesburg on Sunday last.
Ten days earlier, on 27th February, Fr Daniel Matsela Mahula, from Klerksdorp Diocese, was killed by four hitch hikers while driving his car, near Bloemhof. A spokesman for the South Africa Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Fr Chris Townsend, said the priest from Klerksdorp, was “stabbed repeatedly, bundled into the boot of his car and then buried in a shallow grave. The [killers] then drove to Johannesburg in the car and stopped outside a shop in Lenasia.”
“The shopkeeper became suspicious and alerted the police,” he went on. “They admitted to the police that they had killed the priest.”
Fr Matsela (34) was ordained on 22nd December 2002. He ministered at St Peter's Catholic Church in Jouberton at the time of his death.
Last Sunday, March 8, Fr Revocat Gahimbare was killed in Burundi. He had served as pastor of a parish in Karuzi. The priest was killed by four bandits dressed as policemen who had broken into the monastery of the Bene Maria Sisters. Fr Gahimbare, who had gone to defend the sisters, was shot dead by the intruders.
The Catholic Archbishop of Johannesburg, Buti Tlhagale, said Fr Lionel Sham was a selfless servant of his congregation who had worked with troubled children at the Boys’ Town reformatory for nine years.
He was last seen alive when he presided over a wedding at 7pm on Friday night.
“On Saturday morning he was meant to attend a youth prayer meeting, but he did not show up, which was out of character ,” said Archbishop Tlhagale. Police found his body on Sunday 8th March.
“He was always the same - open, warm, kind and loving to everyone. I thank God for his wonderful ministry, and for the many people he touched, and who will be touched through his death.,” wrote a friend and colleage.
Four memorial services have been taking place between last Wednesday and tomorrow, Monday for Fr Sham. His funeral service is on St Patrick’s day at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Johannesburg.
Archbishop Buti Tlhagale of Johannesburg, thanked “the countless people” who joined the search for Fr Sham and prayed for his safe return.
Meanwhile, an 18 year-old man has been charged with Fr Sham’s kidnap and murder.
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(Source: CIN)