Cullinan – Two Egyptian nationals – 37-year-old Monk Saeed Basonda and 47-year-old priest Samuel Avamarkos – have appeared at the Cullinan Magistrate’s Court, in Gauteng, where they are facing three counts of murder.
It is alleged that in the early hours of 12 March 2024, the two stabbed and killed three Priests.
Takla Elsmwaeili Ayoub Attia Mossoud Mouss, Marcos Shawkat Nasry Morid Wanas Mina, and Marcos Mofed Tawfek Isaac Youstos were all fatally stabbed at the Coptic Orthodox Church, where they all resided.
The court heard that 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,” said National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana.
“After questioning, the two were arrested and remanded in custody.”
Both accused were remanded in custody when their matter was postponed to 28 March 2024.
Mahanjana said the NPA intends to oppose bail.
