🔥🕊️ Soldier Opens Fire in Church, Leaves Three Dead

GOOD MORNING.

Northern Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province is once again in turmoil as ISIS-affiliated insurgents escalate a brutal campaign targeting Christian communities.

The violence—marked by the destruction of churches, civilian killings, and mass displacement—comes amid a years-long Islamist insurgency that has already claimed thousands of lives since 2017.

With deep-seated poverty, limited state presence, and chronic underdevelopment fueling extremist recruitment, the region is spiraling into a prolonged humanitarian crisis.

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SPECIAL REPORT

Tragedy in Banana, DRC

On May 12, 2025, a horrific act of violence shattered the peace of a Sunday church service in Banana, a coastal town in Kongo-Central, Democratic Republic of the Congo. A member of the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) opened fire inside Bethesda Ministry, killing three people—including a baby—and injuring three others.

Targeted Act Turns Deadly

The shooter, Chief Warrant Officer Médard Katonzi of the Congolese Navy, reportedly entered the church looking for a specific congregant named Naomie. When his call for her went unanswered, witnesses say he began indiscriminately firing into the crowd. The victims included a baby, highlighting the indiscriminate and devastating nature of the attack.

Members of the congregation quickly overpowered Katonzi. Before security forces arrived, the soldier was beaten by the crowd but survived and was later taken into custody.

Legal Proceedings Begin Amid Outrage

The military justice system moved swiftly. Katonzi’s trial began the next day, May 13, at the military tribunal in Moanda. He admitted to the shootings, though he did not offer a clear motive. The court has scheduled the next hearing for May 28.

The tragedy has left the Banana community reeling, raising questions about the mental health and accountability mechanisms for active military personnel. It also underscores the urgent need for increased security and conflict prevention in places of worship across the region.

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REGIONAL THREATS

AFRICA

• MUTARE, ZIMBABWE – Police are investigating the reported abduction of 35-year-old Themba Sithole, who disappeared on May 11, 2025, after attending a church service in Mutare. Sithole boarded a commuter minibus at Mudzviti Bus Terminus, which diverted from its route; he was blindfolded and taken to an unknown location. He managed to send a distress text to his brother, stating he was chained in a dark room and feared for his life. Authorities have been unable to trace him, and his phone remains unreachable.

• HARARE, ZIMBABWE – On May 11, 2025, eight armed robbers attacked a church in the Belvedere area during early morning prayers, assaulting a security guard and a congregant before stealing approximately US$8,000. The suspects fled in the congregant’s vehicle, and police have launched a manhunt.

• EAST LONDON, SOUTH AFRICA – On May 10, 2025, Nigerian televangelist Timothy Omotoso was re-arrested in East London, Eastern Cape, on immigration-related charges, just weeks after his acquittal on multiple counts of rape and human trafficking. The arrest, conducted by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs Immigration Inspectorate in collaboration with the South African Police Service’s National Intervention Unit and Tactical Response Team, occurred shortly after a church service. Omotoso is currently detained at Mdantsane Police Station and is scheduled to appear in court on May 12 .

• EMPANGENI, SOUTH AFRICA – On May 11, 2025, a tragic collision occurred on the N2 highway near Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal, involving a tow truck and a Hyundai H-100 bakkie carrying members of the Umkhumbi Wesethembiso Church in Zion. The accident resulted in the deaths of eight congregants and left several others injured. The tow truck driver was arrested, and authorities have launched a culpable homicide investigation.

• TAMBURA, SOUTH SUDAN – On May 7, 2025, Paul Tamania, a 39-year-old Catholic Church secretary and youth group leader, was fatally shot near St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Tambura town. The attack occurred close to a camp for displaced persons. Local authorities have not identified any suspects, and investigations are ongoing.

MIDDLE EAST & CENTRAL ASIA

• FAISALABAD, PAKISTAN – On May 6, 2025, 19-year-old Gulfam Masih, a Christian, was fatally shot in the Ghulam Muhammad Abad area of Faisalabad. While riding a motorcycle with his uncle, they were confronted by two men on another motorcycle. After a minor collision, the assailants began hurling abusive language, reportedly aware of Masih’s Christian faith. One of the attackers, identified as Rana Ejaz, drew a pistol and shot Masih in the head. Masih was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries. Police have arrested Ejaz, and an investigation is underway.

SOUTH & SOUTHEAST ASIA

• No current updates.

LATIN AMERICA & CARIBBEAN

• GUAYAQUIL, ECUADOR – On the evening of May 12, 2025, a violent attack occurred during an evangelical service in the Flor de Bastión neighborhood, resulting in the deaths of four individuals, including two teenagers aged 14 and 16, and injuries to two others . The assailants arrived on motorcycles and opened fire on the congregation .

NORTH AMERICA

• CLERMONT, FLORIDA – On May 12, 2025, a student at Family Christian Center School in Clermont made a threat against the school community. Following an internal investigation, two 17-year-old students were identified, with one admitting to creating a list of students and staff he intended to harm. No weapons or physical lists were found, and authorities confirmed that no immediate danger was present. Both students were expelled, though no criminal charges were filed.

EUROPE

• PURKERSDORF, AUSTRIA – Two men were arrested for stealing donations from church collection boxes in Purkersdorf between March 21 and April 12, 2025. The suspects used a device with adhesive to extract cash, a method known as “fishing.” A 49-year-old man, linked to eight thefts, was apprehended on May 1 near the church. Two days later, a 56-year-old man, suspected in four incidents, was also arrested. Both were found carrying tools used in the thefts. The older suspect confessed, while the younger denied involvement. Both face charges of aggravated theft.

• KURSK, RUSSIA – On May 15, 2025, Ukrainian forces reportedly shelled the newly built Pokrovsky Church in the border settlement of Tetkino, Glushkovsky District. The attack caused the interior of the church to burn, and details on casualties are still being clarified.

• BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, UNITED KINGDOM – A village church near the Oxfordshire border was recently targeted by burglars, prompting a police investigation. The incident has raised concerns about the security of rural religious sites in the area. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as they work to identify those responsible.

• WATFORD, UNITED KINGDOM – A man has appeared in court following an incident at St Mary’s Church in Watford, where he allegedly threatened individuals with a knife. The event prompted a swift response from local authorities, leading to the suspect’s arrest. The case has raised concerns about security at places of worship, and the investigation is ongoing.

AUSTRALIA & OCEANIA

• No current updates.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Across the African continent, many communities are enduring significant hardship—from violent conflict and persecution to poverty and displacement. In countries like Mozambique, Nigeria, South Sudan, and others, families are grieving the loss of loved ones, struggling for safety, and seeking stability in the midst of unrest.

We ask for prayers that peace would overcome violence, that those who are vulnerable—especially children, displaced families, and worshippers—would be protected, and that courage and strength would be granted to leaders and aid workers serving in these challenging conditions. Pray also for justice to be done where there has been harm, and for good leadership to emerge where there has been instability.

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