Three priests have been killed in Africa during the last week, according to Fr. Chris Townsend spokesman for the South African Bishops. Father Lionel Sham was killed on March 7, Father Daniel Matsela Mahula on February 27, both in South Africa; and Father Revocat Gahimbare was slain on March 8, in Burundi.

News of the deaths came from Father Chris Townsend, spokesman of the Bishops Conference of South Africa. Father Lionel Sham, 66, was killed after being kidnapped, while Father Matsela, 34, was intercepted by four gang members while he was driving his car. He was ordained on December 22, 2002.

Father Gahimbare was pastor of the Parish of Karuzi. His assailants had attacked the Bene Maria Convent and Father Gahimbare came the sisters’ aid.  He was shot and killed by the assailants.