South African authorities have announced a R100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a suspect wanted in connection with the murder of a Malawian Catholic priest, in a case that has drawn international attention and sparked calls for cross-border justice.

Father William Banda, a 36-year-old priest from Malawi, was gunned down inside the Tzaneen Roman Catholic Church in Limpopo, South Africa, while preparing to lead a morning sermon in March.

According to police, an unidentified male suspect entered the church pretending to be a worshipper, then pulled out a firearm and shot Banda multiple times before fleeing in a white vehicle without number plates. Emergency services confirmed the priest died at the scene.

In a statement issued this week, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, spokesperson for the South African Police Service (SAPS), said:

“The South African Police Service is offering a reward of R100,000 to anyone with credible information that can lead to the arrest and conviction of the suspect responsible for this heinous crime.”

The deliberate targeting of a religious leader, and the cross-border nature of the victim’s nationality, has raised alarms across the region, with human rights advocates and church leaders in Malawi and South Africa calling for swift action.

Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact the Crime Stop line at 08600 10111, visit the nearest police station, or submit tips anonymously via the MySAPS app.

The murder of Father Banda is the latest in a series of violent crimes impacting faith leaders and migrant communities in South Africa. With the priest being a foreign national and a religious figure, the case is now under both criminal and diplomatic scrutiny.

Investigations remain ongoing.