Cape Town — The two Egyptian priests facing three charges of murder, made their first appearance in the Cullinan Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Saeed Basonda (37) and Samuel Avamarkos (47) are accused of killing three Egyptian Monks from the South African Coptic Orthodox Church on 12 March.
On Friday proceedings started late as the court awaited the arrival of an Arabic interpreter. The two speak limited English but Father Samuel told the court he is not sure why he was arrested. He requested the court to release him but was reminded that he faces schedule 6 charges, TimesLIVE reported.
What the actual f**k?
Crime in South Africa is starting to resemble a David Lynch movie.“Egyptian monk, priest appear in court for murder of three fellow priests”https://t.co/55TLGgFHxr
— Chief Whip (@ReprobateCoZa) March 22, 2024
NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the triple murders took place at the premises of the Coptic Orthodox Church where they all resided, IOL reported.
“The three bodies were discovered by the worker of the church when reporting for duty. The worker then informed the Deacon of the church, and the police were called. After questioning, the two were arrested and remanded in custody,” Mahanjana said.
The state then requested the matter to be postponed to March 28 pending confirmation of the accused’s addresses as they had initially lived at the monastery.
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Picture: Facebook/Coptic Orthodox Church South Africa
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
