Egyptian priests appear in court for murder

Share the Article:

Two Egyptian nationals, a monk and a priest appeared at the Cullinan magistrates court facing three counts of murder.

Egyptian priests appear in court for murder — Egyptian priests Saeed Basonda, 37, and Samuel Avamarkos, 47, facing charges of murder appear in court. **Images:** *Supplied*

According to Lumka Mahanjana, the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) regional spokesperson, Saeed Basonda, 37, and Samuel Avamarkos, 47, stabbed and killed three Priests, Takla Elsmwaeili Ayoub Attia Mossoud Mouss, Marcos Shawkat Nasry Morid Wanas Mina and Marcos Mofed Tawfek Isaac Youstos.

The incident took place in the early hours of Tuesday, March 12 at the church premises, Coptic Orthodox Church where they all resided.

Mahanjana said the three bodies were discovered by the worker of the church when reporting for duty.

She added; “The worker then informed the Deacon of the church, and the police were called. After questioning, the two were arrested and remanded in custody.”

The case was postponed to Thursday, March 28, for bail application.

Mahanjana stated that the NPA intends to oppose bail in the matter.

Meanwhile, police have nabbed three Zimbabwean foreign nationals with 2 187 litres of suspected stolen diesel in Nelspruit.

The trio aged between 24 and 30 were found in different locations with several containers filled with diesel.

Three Zimbabwean foreign nationals with 2 187 litres of suspected stolen diesel were nabbed by the police.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli said the team was assembled after a follow-up on theft of coal in one of the Middleburg mines in February was reported.

“When members were busy with a follow up on the information, three light delivery vehicles. These are two Isuzu bakkie and one Nissan NP200 bakkie.

“These cars were found fully loaded with containers filled with diesel. All drivers could not produce the proof of purchase, hence they were arrested for possession of suspected stolen property, illegal dealing in diesel and contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa.

ALSO READ | Serial rapist sentenced to two life imprisonment for rape, kidnapping and assault

“The vehicles, and a generator as well as diesel pumping pipes were seized for further investigation,” he explained.

Col Mdhluli stated that all suspects are expected to appear at the Ogies magistrate’s court soon.