News24 | Three Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Church monks killed inside Gauteng monastery

The Coptic Orthodox Church says Hegumen Takla El-Samuely, Monk Yostos Ava Markos and Monk Mina Ava Markos were killed in Johannesburg. (Coptic Orthodox Church/Facebook)

• The Coptic Orthodox Church said on Tuesday that three monks had been killed in Johannesburg.
• An investigation has been launched into their deaths.
• One of the three monks was the deputy of the diocese of South Africa.

Three Egyptian Coptic monks were killed inside a monastery in Gauteng, according to the Coptic Orthodox Church.

The church's spokesperson said in a statement posted on Facebook on Tuesday: "Three monks were subjected to a criminal assault inside our Coptic monastery."

One of the three monks was the deputy of the diocese of South Africa, according to the statement.

In the Facebook post, the victims were named as Monk Hegumen Takla El-Samuely, Monk Yostos Ava Markos and Monk Mina Ava Markos.

"The relevant agencies arrived at the monastery and began their investigations of the incident. The Egyptian ambassador in Johannesburg also went to the monastery to follow up the situation," the church said.

Police spokesperson, Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, said police were investigating a murder case subsequent to the death of "three priests" at a church in Cullinan.

All three had been stabbed.

A fourth person, who survived the attack, had been hit with an iron rod.

He fled and hid in another room during the assault.

"The suspects reportedly left the scene without taking any valuable item or properties from the place. The motive of murders is unknown at this stage," Nevhuhulwi added.

READ | Man accused of kidnapping Chinese, Taiwanese nationals fails to get bail on appeal

The church's statement indicated that an internal investigation had been launched, and that the Egyptian ambassador to South Africa had been informed.

"The church expresses its deep anguish over the occurrence of such a tragic incident, extends its sincere condolences to the families of the three monks, and is full of confidence that only the merciful and just God is able to grant comfort and reveal the truth," it said. 

The police have urged anyone who has information that could assist the investigation to contact the Cullinan police station on 012 734 0751, or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

- Additional reporting by Reuters