Polokwane – Police in Limpopo have launched an urgent manhunt for the suspect who fatally shot a Roman Catholic priest in Tzaneen earlier this year, and are offering a R100,000 reward for information that leads to the killer’s arrest and conviction.
The victim, William Banda (36), a Malawian national and priest at the Tzaneen Roman Catholic Church, was gunned down inside the church on 13 March 2024 while preparing for a morning sermon.
The incident occurred at around 08:00.
According to police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, a man pretending to be a congregant entered the church premises and suddenly opened fire on the priest, shooting him multiple times. The assailant then fled the scene in a white vehicle with no visible registration plates.
#sapsLIM Limpopo SAPS is offering a reward of R100 000 for any valuable information that can lead to the apprehension of the suspect responsible for the murder of William Banda (36). The victim was a Malawian male national, a Priest at Tzaneen Roman Catholic Church (RCC), who was… pic.twitter.com/oj2Lr1gpx5
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) June 23, 2025
Emergency Medical Services personnel declared Banda dead on the scene. A case of murder has been opened and investigations are ongoing.
“The South African Police Service is offering a reward of R100,000 to anyone who can provide information that will lead to the arrest and successful conviction of the perpetrator of this heinous crime,” said Ledwaba.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Warrant Officer Shai on 082 465 2996 or Colonel Tinyiko Shilenge on 071 673 1814. Alternatively, the public can call the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, visit their nearest police station, or use the MySAPS app to submit tips anonymously.
Police have appealed to the public to assist in ensuring justice is served for the slain priest and his grieving community.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
