Durban, South Africa, May 13, 2018 / 02:07 am
In the wake of a mosque attack that left one dead and two other critically injured, the Catholic bishops of South Africa have offered their prayers and condolences to the victims, and strongly denounced the attack as an act of religious violence.
"We heard with great shock and sadness of the attack on the Imam Hussein Mosque in Verulam, Durban and the tragic killing of an imam and the injury of two other people. On behalf of the Catholic Church in Southern Africa, we offer our deepest condolences and sympathy to the family and friends of the murdered imam, and wish the injured a speedy and full recovery," the bishops said in a statement. "Our hearts go out to the community of the Imam Hussein Mosque who have been so brutally violated. You are in our thoughts and prayers."
On Thursday, multiple assailants attacked the Imam Hussain Mosque during midday prayers, slitting the throat of an imam and critically injuring two others.
Authorities are unsure of the motive of the attackers, but have said that the attack has "elements of extremism" that could point to the involvement of the Islamic State, according to The Guardian.