Three Egyptian Coptic Monks Killed in South Africa

In a deeply saddening turn of events, three Egyptian Coptic monks fell victim to a “criminal assault” within a Coptic monastery in South Africa, as announced by the Christian Coptic Orthodox Church of Egypt on Tuesday. The incident has sparked investigations by South African authorities, who are treating it as a triple murder case.

According to the statement released by the Coptic Orthodox Church, the assault occurred within the premises of the Coptic monastery, resulting in the tragic loss of three monks. The identities of the victims were disclosed as Monk Tekla Samueli, Monk Justus Ava Marcus, and Monk Mina Ava Marcos. One of the deceased monks, Monk Tekla Samueli, served as a representative of the Diocese of South Africa.

South African police reported that all three victims were found with stab wounds, while a fourth monk managed to survive the attack, albeit sustaining injuries. The motive behind the brutal assault remains unknown at this stage, with authorities noting that the suspects left the scene without taking any valuable items.

Saddening and shocking news received of the murder of three monks in our Coptic Orthodox Monastery of St Mark and St Samuel the Confessor in Johannesburg, South Africa today.

Fr Takla El-Samouili, the diocesan Vicar, and Fr Youstos Ava-Markos and Fr Mina Ava-Markos were… pic.twitter.com/gE5jGZ4vBN

— Archbishop Angaelos (@BishopAngaelos) March 12, 2024

The Coptic Orthodox Church expressed profound sorrow over the devastating incident and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased monks. An internal investigation has been initiated, and the Egyptian ambassador to Johannesburg has been briefed on the situation.

Pope Tawadros II is closely monitoring developments surrounding the incident, awaiting further details regarding its causes. The church expressed its solidarity with the affected community, offering prayers for the souls of the departed monks and seeking comfort for their families, fellow monks, and the wider Coptic Orthodox community in South Africa.