Police and detectives in Tzaneen in Limpopo are searching for a suspect who shot and killed a Roman Catholic priest on Wednesday, shortly after morning prayers.
Spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba says the 38-year-old priest, whose name cannot be released, proceeded to the changing room after the prayer session when an unknown man followed him.
He says the suspect shot the priest inside twice in the head before fleeing the scene.
Police described the incident as appalling, deeply disturbing, heinous and deplorable.
Colonel Ledwaba says in light of this shocking event the Provincial Commissioner has tasked the Murder and Robbery Unit to lead the investigation.
He says the priest was rushed to hospital by paramedics but he was declared dead upon arrival.
The motive for the murder at the church in Aquer-Park is unknown at this stage.
A local newspaper in Tzaneen identified the victim as Father William Banda, the Parish Priest at Tzaneen Catholic church.
