CAIRO – 13 March 2024: Al Azhar Grand Imam Ahmed El-Tayeb strongly condemned the recent attack on a monastery in South Africa, which killed three Egyptian monks, as an act of terrorism.
“Attacking innocent lives within places of worship is a despicable act of terrorism, and religious teachings, with their values of peace and love, can never justify killing and terrorism,” stated the Grand Imam.
Tayeb expressed his condolences to Pope Tawadros II, the Head of the Coptic Orthodox church, and the families of the victims, urging for the swift arrest of the perpetrators and their just prosecution.
The Coptic Orthodox Church announced on Tuesday that Father Takla Samueli, a representative of the Coptic Diocese of South Africa, along with Father Mina Ava Marcus and Father Yustus Ava Marcus, were tragically killed in a “criminal assault.”
The church expressed that Pope Tawadros II is closely monitoring the developments of this “distressing” incident to determine its causes.
The Egypt Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a statement on Wednesday, affirming monitoring the progress of investigations into the incident to ensure the perpetrators are held accountable.
The incident occurred inside the Saint Mark and Saint Samuel the Confessor monastery in Cullinan town, east of the South African capital, Pretoria.
According to provincial police spokesperson Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, all three monks had stab wounds, and the police are still investigating the motive behind the killings, as reported by Reuters.
Egypt's Ambassador to South Africa, Ahmed El-Fadly, has visited the scene after establishing direct communication with officials from the investigation and forensic sector of South Africa's Department of Police, said the foreign ministry.
The ministry extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, praying that God may bestow His mercy upon them.
It also wished for the families of the victims and the church community to find patience, and solace.
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