Father William Banda Obituary, Death; – Police in Limpopo have escalated their search for an individual responsible for the brutal murder of a Roman Catholic priest.
Last year, IOL reported on the extensive manhunt initiated after the shocking and deeply unsettling killing of a 38-year-old priest in Tzaneen. Preliminary investigations indicated that after a morning prayer session with church members, the priest went to the changing room, where he was followed by an unidentified man.
An identikit of the suspect has now been created as the Limpopo murder and robbery unit intensifies its efforts in the wake of the violent crime that occurred at the Roman Catholic Church in Aquer Park, Tzaneen.
Provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Thakeng, confirmed that the murder took place in March 2024. “It is alleged that on the morning of March 13, 2024, during a prayer session with church members, the suspect entered and sat beside the priest. The victim then moved to the changing room, where the suspect followed him,” Thakeng stated. After a brief period, the assailant shot the priest twice in the head before escaping in an unknown vehicle.
“The suspect was dressed in black trousers, a brown shirt, and a waistcoat,” Thakeng added. Witnesses described the assailant as having “a clean black haircut and a small goatee beard.” The deceased priest has been identified by authorities as Father William Banda, aged 38.
“The police are urging anyone who may have information regarding the suspect, who resembles the identikit, to reach out to Colonel Richard Boshomane at 079 894 5501, Warrant Officer Phaladi Makola at 082 749 2233, Crime Stop at 08600 10111, or their nearest police station,” the police requested.
