Church member under arrest for murder of 3 Egyptian Coptic monks in Gauteng

Investigations reveal no forced entry, leading to the arrest of an Egyptian church member who was on probation to become a monk

An Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Church member in South Africa has been arrested in connection with the killing of three priests at a monastery in Cullinan near Pretoria, according to a source. 

Assistant Bishop Father Takla Moussa, Father Minah ava Marcus and Father Youstos ava Marcus were stabbed at the Saint Mark and Saint Samuel the Confessor monastery early Tuesday. 

Moussa, a potential bishop candidate, had served the church in South Africa for about 20 years. 

Investigations revealed no forced entry, leading to the arrest of an Egyptian church member who was on probation to become a monk.

The suspect, 35, is set to appear in court on Thursday. 

A fourth victim survived the attack by fleeing and hiding. The motive remains unknown. 

The church expressed deep sorrow, offering condolences to the monks’ families.

Source: Newsroom