News by email Donate

Suggestions

World News

Flemish priest killed in South Africa

by Ruth Sax
 - Banner image

South African police have arrested a suspect in connection with the murder of a Belgian priest in a village west of Johannesburg.

Authorities in South Africa have arrested a 23-year-old man in connection with the alleged murder of a Belgian priest, found dead inside his home.

83-year-old Oblate Father Joseph Hollander was found dead in his house in the village of Bodibe, 200km west of Johannesburg.

The Flemish priest's body was reportedly found tied up, but with no signs of visible violence on 12th January.

Authorities suspect Hollanders was the victim of a break-in and robbery which took place shortly after he returned home from Sunday Mass.

Bishop Victor Phalana of Klerksdorp described him as a man "with a big heart, who lived for his community."

"Everyone knows he had no money. He served a poor community. He used every penny he ever owned for his people. He gave away everything he had. He spoke Afrikaans fluently and Tswana, a Bantu language spoken in South Africa and Botswana. He liked to create new parishes or parish stations," he said.

Local media reported that the arrested man was found in possession of Joseph Hollanders' phone and will be facing murder charges when he appears before a court on Friday.
Fr Hollanders' funeral will  take place on 22nd January  in a Klerksdorp Cathedral where he will be laid to rest.

News you can believe in. Stand with Premier Christian News today.

Your gift today ensures that Premier Christian News can press forward in strength, reaching more people with biblical truth and shaping the future of Christian thought. It’s more than just a donation—it’s an investment in renewed minds and transformed lives. 

Without continued support, the ability to create and distribute resources that strengthen faith and equip the church will be compromised. But with your help, we can grow deeper, stand firmer, and shine brighter in the culture.

Your support today is critical.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate